Vercors sheep attack: Environmentalists dispute wolf involvement

Between August 30 and 31, 2026, a large-scale attack on a flock of sheep occurred in the Vercors massif in the Drôme department of France. The breeder, Sébastien Robert, reported that 64 sheep were killed or required euthanasia, with approximately 20 others missing from his flock of 580.

The French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) has issued a preliminary assessment suggesting the attack was likely caused by wolves, potentially involving males teaching younger wolves how to hunt. However, environmental organizations ASPAS and Frapna Drôme Nature Environnement are questioning this conclusion.

These organizations argue that the pattern of the attack is unusual, noting that the animals were scattered across a large, difficult-to-access area and that many injured sheep were not consumed. They have suggested that free-roaming sled dogs, such as Huskies or Malamutes, could be a possible alternative cause and are calling for genetic analysis of saliva traces on hair to reach a definitive identification.