Wolf predation and livestock protection dogs spark tension in France

The presence of wolves and livestock protection dogs, known as Patous, is creating increasing tension and safety concerns in the French mountain regions. In Arêches-Beaufort, a hiker was seriously injured and evacuated by helicopter after being bitten ten times by a protection dog guarding a goat herd.

To avoid such encounters, experts advise hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners to slow down, signal their presence, and avoid moving quickly through herds. Rapid movements can be interpreted as threats by the dogs, which are trained to protect livestock from predators.

Simultaneously, wolf predation is becoming a permanent reality in the Alps and regions like Drôme. In Drôme, eight wolves have been culled since the beginning of the year, including several through defensive shots by farmers. This ongoing presence of a protected species is placing significant logistical and financial burdens on farmers, who must manage protection dogs, fencing, and constant surveillance to mitigate the impact on their livelihoods.