Local authorities are on heightened alert in the greater Athens suburb of Haidari, after a wolf was reportedly seen wandering through streets in the area.
A complaint was filed by a local resident, who also took a video of the wolf, and Greece’s forestry service was informed.
The Forestry Service is conducting an investigation and, in the meantime, has issued recommendations to the public, including a ban on feeding stray animals and on abandoning animal remains, as wolves may descend into urban areas in search of food.
“The Forestry Service provided guidance—specific measures that should be taken—and we immediately issued a press release with those instructions so all residents could be informed,” said Haidari Mayor Michalis Selekos to MEGA TV.
He explained that feeding stray animals is prohibited and, where feeding does occur, it must be at a distance of at least 200 meters. “Wolves, like wild boars and other animals, move closer to residential areas due to a lack of food. They are searching for nourishment,” he said.
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The mayor also stressed that abandoning animal remains or carcasses is forbidden. “Some people throw such waste into forested areas, which attracts wildlife,” he added. He urged dog owners to be particularly cautious during walks, advising that dogs should not make excessive noise. If they do, owners should create noise themselves to scare the wolf away.
“In the event that we see the wolf at a distance greater than 50 meters, we should observe its behavior. We never approach the wolf,” Selekos said. “Call your dog close, and if wolves come nearer, instead of panicking and running, people should use a firm, aggressive tone to frighten the animal.”
The mayor added that the Forestry Service is considering measures to trap and relocate the wolf to another mountainous area, as well as installing cameras to monitor its movements, in order to ensure public safety.
