Μake us preferred on Google Authorities have been placed on alert following recent reports of a wild animal attacking people in the Marmaras area of Halkidiki, a popular tourist destination in northern Greece.
The focus is on an attack involving a 2-year-old boy from Serbia, who was attacked on a beach in the area by an animal believed to have been either a wolf or a jackal. The child suffered injuries to his head and back and was taken to the hospital. According to information available so far, his life is not believed to be in danger.
Second attack on 45-year-old man
A second incident in the same wider area has also come to light, with a 45-year-old man reportedly suffering a bite to the back of his neck. The two incidents have prompted authorities to investigate exactly which animal is behind the attacks and whether the same animal may be responsible for both.
To identify the animal, authorities collected DNA samples from the 2-year-old boy’s wounds and sent them to Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). Laboratory analysis is expected to determine the type of animal. Authorities are also examining the possibility that it is the same animal that appeared in the area the previous year.
Plan to remove the animal
Meanwhile, meetings are being held between the relevant authorities and environmental organizations to draw up a plan for the immediate and safe removal of the wild animal from the tourist area.
The goal is to protect residents and visitors while also ensuring that the operation is carried out safely for the wild animal itself. Authorities and environmental organizations are holding discussions on how the animal can be removed from the area. A plan is expected to be in place Wednesday or Thursday to remove the animal from the area or determine how it should be dealt with.
