Parnitha wolf captured after habituation to human presence

A radio-collared male wolf that had become habituated to human presence in the Parnitha region has been captured. The animal was removed from the Kryoneri–Varympompi area following reports of it approaching populated zones and incidents involving humans.

The capture was a coordinated operation involving the Forestry Service, OFYPEKA, and environmental organizations Kallisto and Arcturos. The wolf is being transferred to facilities in Thessaloniki for genetic testing before being relocated to the Arcturos center in Florina.

This intervention follows a February 2026 incident near Tatoi, where a wolf approached a runner and caused minor injuries. Genetic material collected from the runner's clothing and analyzed by Aristotle University of Thessaloniki had previously helped link the radio-collared wolf to the encounter.