Concern is growing in Chasia and the wider Fyli area, on the foothills of Mount Parnitha near Athens, as wolves continue to appear close to residential neighborhoods.
Security cameras have captured wolves moving through the area, while residents say more than 10 stray dogs that they cared for in their neighborhoods have been killed in attacks.
Wolf pack captured inside Chasia
Residents say the animals are no longer staying within forested areas but are increasingly approaching populated parts of the community.
One resident described seeing five wolves during the night.
“One night we saw five wolves, at 3 a.m. The dogs were in these boxes, the wolves came and ate them. Behind them there were another five dogs, and they ate them, and one dog from there, and another three below,” the resident said.
Wolf seen near children’s playground
A video shows a lone wolf outside a children’s playground in Chasia.
The sighting has caused further concern among residents and local community representatives, who are calling for measures to address the situation.
“It appeared and was recorded at this location. There is a problem. Our children are at risk, we are at risk ourselves. When a wolf is hungry, it is ruthless,” said Spyros Mprempos, a former deputy mayor of Fyli.
Red deer also moving toward residential areas
According to residents’ accounts, the issue extends beyond concerns about safety in the neighborhoods.
The red deer of Mount Parnitha, one of the mountain’s characteristic species, have also reportedly been affected.
Residents say three of the remaining red deer descended into the Agia Kyriaki area of Chasia in search of food and, according to their accounts, to avoid wolf attacks.
Residents are calling on the government to intervene and take measures to address the situation.
“The state should find some way to remove the wolves from Parnitha. There was even a prosecutorial order for them to be removed, and everyone attacked the prosecutor and everyone else. We are not saying they should be killed, but that they should be removed,” one resident said.
