Greek forestry authorities have ordered immediate action to capture a female wolf that has repeatedly appeared in populated urban sectors of Thessaloniki, including Polichni, Sykies, and the Upper Town, following an attack on a four-year-old child, according to regional media and official reports.
Thessaloniki Authorities Launch Capture Operation After Child Attack
According to the regional portal Voria and reports cited by the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA), the Greek General Secretariat for Forests ordered the intervention after months of sightings. Officials established that the animal is a three-legged female wolf that has grown accustomed to living near human settlements. In late July, the animal attacked and injured a four-year-old girl who was dining with her parents at a tavern in Polichni. Initial reports mistook the animal for a jackal, but subsequent investigations confirmed it was a wolf.
Capture Methods and Relocation Plans for the Thessaloniki Wolf
To safely secure the animal, the General Secretariat for Forests formed a dedicated capture team, according to BTA and Voria. Teams will deploy specialized cameras to locate the wolf’s movements across Polichni, Sykies, and the Upper Town. Authorities plan to use traps and tranquilizers to capture the animal. Firearm use remains strictly a last resort, authorized only if all non-lethal methods fail. Once caught, the wolf will be transferred temporarily to the “Arcturos” environmental protection center located in Florina.
Pro Tip: Wildlife management experts emphasize that securing household and commercial waste is critical in preventing urban wildlife incursions, as easy access to food sources encourages wild predators to frequent human-populated neighborhoods.
Preventive Measures and Waste Management Guidelines
Following the capture, a specialized scientific committee will evaluate the wolf’s physical condition and behavioral patterns, as reported by Voria. Alongside the capture operation, municipal authorities are implementing preventive measures. These steps focus on the prompt removal of garbage that attracts wild animals and official recommendations urging residents to stop leaving food out for stray animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the wolf spotted in Thessaloniki?
According to local reports, the wolf has been sighted repeatedly in the urban areas of Polichni, Sykies, and the Upper Town of Thessaloniki.
What happened during the attack in July?
In late July, the three-legged female wolf approached a tavern in Polichni and attacked a four-year-old girl who was with her parents, leaving the child injured.
Where will the wolf be taken after capture?
Authorities will transport the animal to the “Arcturos” environmental protection center in Florina for temporary housing and evaluation by a scientific committee.
Are authorities planning to shoot the animal?
No. Officials stated that traps and tranquilizers will be used, and firearms will only be employed as a last resort if all other capture methods prove unsuccessful.
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