Italy sees surge in wolf sightings after string of suspected attacks

A wave of wolf sightings and suspected attacks across Italy has prompted authorities to step up efforts to track down animals believed to be moving increasingly close to populated areas.

The incidents have raised concern during the busy summer holiday season, particularly in the southern region of Puglia, where several people, including children, have reportedly been injured.

Tourists injured at holiday accommodation

One of the latest incidents happened on August 20 at Punta Pizzo, near Gallipoli, where three tourists were attacked by an animal believed to be a wolf.

The group included a 52-year-old woman and her 12-year-old daughter. All three were taken to hospital following the incident, with the woman and girl later discharged. A 47-year-old man who intervened to help them was also injured.

Initial reports suggest the animal first approached a small dog at the accommodation before turning towards the tourists.

However, authorities have stressed that investigations are still under way to establish whether the animal was actually a wolf or another species, such as a wild dog.

Children among those injured

The Puglia incidents have been particularly concerning because several children have reportedly been involved.

In Noicattaro, near Bari, a six-year-old boy was bitten by an animal believed to be a wolf on August 15 while he was with his family in a municipal park.

The child suffered injuries to his chest and was taken to hospital. Other suspected incidents in the area have also involved children, prompting local authorities to introduce additional measures while the animal is located.

A task force involving regional authorities and the Bari Prefecture has been searching for the animal using drones, thermal cameras and capture equipment.

Sightings spread beyond Puglia

The concern is not limited to southern Italy.

In Riccione, in Emilia-Romagna, residents have reported seeing a wolf moving through the northern part of the town. Three public parks were closed during the evening and overnight as authorities attempted to manage the situation.

Residents have also been advised against leaving food or pet food outside and encouraged to keep vegetation around properties under control.

In Umbria, meanwhile, searches remain under way for a wolf believed to have attacked a four-year-old girl in Arrone in July.

Italy’s wolf population has recovered

The sightings come against the backdrop of a major recovery in Italy’s wolf population.

The country’s wolf population was once close to extinction, but conservation measures have helped numbers increase significantly. Recent national estimates put the population at more than 3,500 animals, with wolves now found across large parts of the country.

Experts say attacks on humans remain extremely unusual, despite the recent incidents. One veterinary expert involved in the Puglia investigation described the behaviour of the animal involved as unusual compared with typical wolf behaviour.

Authorities are therefore continuing to investigate each case rather than assuming that every reported sighting or attack involves a wolf.

For now, the focus remains on identifying and capturing the animals involved while authorities try to balance public safety with the protection of a species that has made a remarkable comeback in Italy.