Maremma wildlife attacks cause agricultural damage and human injury

Increased wildlife activity in the Maremma region of Italy is causing significant distress and economic damage to local agricultural businesses. Following a severe drought, wild animals are increasingly encroaching on crops and livestock areas in search of food.

In Massa Marittima, a recent wolf attack at the Campo all’Aia farm resulted in a woman suffering a severe injury when a wolf bit her ear while she was attempting to protect her animals. She underwent emergency surgery and faces the potential for permanent hearing loss.

Farmers report substantial losses, with some seeing up to 50% damage to cereals and legumes, and 20% damage to grapes caused by animals such as deer, foxes, and wolves. Agricultural representatives, including Cia Etruria, are calling for greater institutional protection and recognition of these damages, noting that climate change is exacerbating the conflict between wildlife and farming operations.