A wolf attacked a group of walkers earlier today near the former Royal Estate in Tatoi, on the northern outskirts of Athens, according to local authorities. No injuries were reported.
The incident occurred in the broader area of the former royal estate, within the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Dionysos, along the route between Kryoneri and the estate grounds. The Municipality of Acharnes said it had been informed of the encounter and confirmed that, despite the attack, there were no “painful consequences” for those involved.
Caution Urged Ahead of Clean Monday
In an official statement, the Municipality of Acharnes called on visitors planning to spend Clean Monday — a major Greek public holiday marking the start of Lent — on Mount Parnitha to exercise heightened caution.
Authorities noted that large numbers of visitors are expected in the area over the long weekend. They advised the public to remain especially vigilant while moving through forested and semi-urban zones.
What to Do If You Encounter a Wolf
Following the incident, local authorities issued safety instructions for anyone who encounters a wolf in the wild:
- Do not run. If the wolf is at a distance, do not approach it and maintain constant visual contact.
- If the animal comes closer, act aggressively by making loud noises, shouting and waving objects to deter it.
- Avoid walking dogs in peri-urban areas and within the national park. If a dog is present, it should always be kept on a leash.
- Avoid visiting these areas during periods of limited natural light, especially early in the morning and at dusk.
- Do not feed wildlife, either intentionally or unintentionally.
- Do not leave food waste outside designated trash cans in suburban or forest-edge areas.
- Notify the local forestry service or other authorities of the exact location of any wolf sighting.
Mount Parnitha, one of the main mountain ranges surrounding Athens, includes protected forest areas that are home to diverse wildlife. Authorities stressed that visitors should follow official guidance to ensure their safety and to avoid disturbing wild animals.
