Wolf kills dog in Orbicciano, child safe as officials deny human attack

On the night of 18‑19 July 2026, a wolf entered a farmhouse in Orbicciano, a hamlet of Camaiore in Tuscany. The animal attacked and dragged away the family’s dog, a seven‑year‑old mixed‑breed named Destiny, which later was found dead. The family’s two‑year‑old son was inside the house at the time and was not harmed.

The regional Task Force Lupo, Carabinieri Forestali and local authorities investigated the incident and stated unequivocally that the wolf never targeted people. The mayor of Camaiore, Marcello Pierucci, said, “Il bambino non è stato minacciato dal lupo” (“The child was not threatened by the wolf”).

Initial media reports in several countries suggested the wolf had lunged at the child, but the official findings rebuke that narrative. The case has revived debate over the growing presence of wolves in populated areas of the Apennines and prompted calls for preventive measures and continued monitoring.