A video showing a wolf moving through a central square in the northern district of Varibobi, in the foothills below Mt. Parnitha, has caused concern among residents after circulating on social media.
The footage, reportedly recorded late Saturday night, appears to show the carnivore walking through a populated area, raising alarm in the neighborhood. The incident occurred near the forested slopes of Mt. Parnitha, a region where wildlife sightings in suburban zones are increasingly recorded, particularly during nighttime hours, according to local reports and previous coverage of similar encounters in the Athens metropolitan area.
Local authorities have issued public safety guidance on how to respond if encountering a wolf. Residents are advised not to approach or run from the animal, but to maintain visual contact from a safe distance. If the wolf approaches, officials recommend making loud noises, shouting, and using objects to deter it.
Residents are also urged to avoid walking dogs in semi-urban and forest-edge areas, especially at dawn and dusk, and to keep pets on a leash at all times. Officials further warn against leaving food or waste outdoors that could attract wildlife, and instruct the public to immediately report sightings to forestry services or other relevant authorities.
