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Wolf sightings and attacks in Italy

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-17 18:11 UTC → 2026-08-20 07:59 UTC · added removed

Reports of wolf sightings and attacks have emerged across various several Italian regions, including Puglia and Riccione. regions. In Ruvo di Puglia, local authorities issued an ordinance following sightings near rural roads and cemeteries, noting that wolf presence in Puglian rural areas is an “increasing phenomenon.” Residents were advised to keep pets leashed and avoid approaching the animals. Similar unverified reports of aggressive encounters surfaced in Riccione. In the Liguria region, Liguria, the situation escalated following an attack in Zeri where after an animal breeder was hospitalized after encountering following an encounter with two wolves while defending her flock. in Zeri. Representatives from the Biodistretto Val di Vara have called for urgent action, including population control by specialists and increased support for livestock farmers, citing recent incidents such as the killing of calves in Sesta Godano. In Puglia, the province of Bari, the situation has intensified following a series of attacks on children in Noicattaro. While regional authorities initially moved to capture a wolf classified by ISPRA as having “level 5 criticality,” new reports indicate the animal—suspected to be a wolf or a wolf-dog hybrid—has attacked three children. These incidents, Incidents occurring on August 4 and August 15, 15 resulted in a six-year-old girl being hospitalized in intensive care and a six-year-old boy receiving treatment for chest injuries. Mayor Raimondo Innamorato confirmed both children are in stable condition. In response, a A specialized task force force, coordinated by the Prefecture of Bari and authorized by Puglia Regional President Antonio Decaro, is utilizing drones, thermal cameras, and night vision vision, and photo traps to track the animal, which has is suspected to be a wolf or a wolf-dog hybrid. Recent sightings have been sighted reported in neighboring Cellamare Cellamare, Bitonto, and Bitonto. most recently in the Schiamante district on the border of Noicattaro and Torre a Mare. In response, Mayor Innamorato has implemented emergency measures, including the nighttime closure of municipal parks and restrictions on accessing green areas. A multidisciplinary team, including experts from the University of Bari and the Carabinieri Forestali, remains engaged in the capture operation.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-20 07:59 UTC Wolf sightings and attacks in Italy
  2. 2026-08-17 18:11 UTC Wolf sightings and attacks in Italy
  3. 2026-08-14 17:11 UTC Wolf sightings and attacks in Italy
  4. 2026-08-11 17:02 UTC Wolf sightings and attacks in Italy

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