In a disturbing incident captured on video, a 20-year-old man in Presidente Prudente, Brazil, was fined R$ 3,000 after being seen kicking a black-eared opossum, also known as a saruê. The event transpired on Thursday, and it was reported by the local environmental police that this act of cruelty occurred within a luxury residential condominium. The video gained traction on social media, prompting public outrage and leading to the man's identification by the authorities.

Upon police investigation, the young man admitted to kicking the animal, claiming he acted in self-defense as the opossum approached him. This justification raised further questions about understanding animal behavior and the appropriateness of such a reaction. Although the police investigated the area for the opossum, they could not locate it, which prevented them from assessing the animal's health status post-incident.

The environmental police filed an Auto de Infração Ambiental (Environmental Infraction Notice) against the man for animal cruelty, highlighting a growing concern for wildlife protection in urban settings. This case serves as a reminder of the legal and social responsibilities individuals have towards local wildlife, illustrating the need for better awareness and educational efforts regarding human-animal interactions in urban areas.