Parnitha National Park: Operation launched to remove habituated wolf

The Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy has launched an urgent operation to locate, capture, and remove a specific, radio-tagged wolf from the Parnitha National Park area. This decision follows reports of the animal being highly habituated to human presence and two recent incidents involving wolf attacks on people in the Kryoneri and Olympiako Chorio areas.

The removal operation involves a specialized task force including the Parnitha Forestry Service, OFYPEKA, and environmental organizations such as ‘Kallisto’ and ‘Arktouros’. The plan includes deploying specialized cameras for tracking, using traps for capture, and employing veterinarians for sedation. Once captured, the wolf will undergo blood tests and DNA analysis to assess its health and genetic origin before being temporarily relocated to the ‘Arktouros’ facilities in Florina.

In response to frequent sightings of wolves near residential areas like Vrykompi, Kryoneri, and Olympiako Chorio, the Acharnes Municipality has issued safety guidelines for citizens. Residents are advised not to run if they encounter a wolf, to maintain visual contact from a distance, and to use loud noises or aggressive movements if an animal approaches. Authorities also recommend avoiding walks with dogs in the forest during twilight hours and strictly prohibiting the feeding of wild animals.