A suspected wolf has been filmed moving through the streets of the village of Nikiti in Halkidiki prefecture, in northern Greece, late at night, prompting concern among residents and adding to a growing number of reports of large wild animals appearing close to populated areas across Greece.
The animal was reportedly spotted shortly after 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday in upper Nikiti, where security-camera footage appears to show it walking along a lit residential street before continuing through the village. A resident sitting outside a nearby mini market reportedly encountered the animal at close range and made loud noises to drive it away.
The footage has been circulated as evidence of the sighting, although it is not clear from the images alone whether the animal is a wolf. Residents have nevertheless identified it as such. They also say a similar animal had earlier been sighted nearby, with one resident claiming it was carrying a cat.
The reports have caused particular concern because Nikiti remains busy after the peak summer season, with residents and visitors still out late at night. Some residents have raised concerns about children returning home from evening tutoring sessions.
The reported sighting comes amid a series of encounters between wildlife and urban or semi-urban communities in Greece. To Vima has reported repeated wolf sightings in outlying parts of the greater Athens area, as well as packs appearing near homes in Panorama, Thessaloniki. Wolves have also been filmed moving through residential areas near Mount Parnitha, northwest of Athens.
Foxes and wild boars have likewise increasingly been seen in urban areas, while bears have appeared in villages and other populated areas in northern and central Greece. Wildlife experts have linked some encounters to animals moving into populated areas in search of food and have urged people not to approach or feed them, while keeping food waste and animal remains away from streets.
