University professor calls for wolf management protocols in Greece

Periklis Mirtsas, a professor at the University of Thessaly and director of the Wildlife Management Laboratory, is calling for the establishment of a clear and unified protocol to manage the presence of wolves in urban, suburban, and coastal tourist areas.

Mirtsas emphasizes that while the wolf is an emblematic species of Greek biodiversity and plays a vital ecological role as an apex predator, its protection must be balanced with the protection of human life. He warns that authorities should not wait for human injuries to occur before implementing management strategies.

The professor notes that wolves are highly adaptable and typically inhabit forested and mountainous landscapes. However, they are increasingly appearing in densely populated areas and recreational spaces, often due to easy access to food from waste. This habituation reduces the natural distance between humans and wildlife, increasing the risk of dangerous incidents. Mirtsas argues that public safety should not rely on general assurances that wolves typically do not attack, but rather on proactive intervention by trained personnel.