A coordinated operation involving environmental organisations and public authorities led to the successful capture and removal of a habituated wolf from a residential area of Thessaloniki, highlighting the importance of science-based protocols, rapid response, and cooperation in managing human–wolf interactions.
On 13 August 2026, a female wolf that had repeatedly approached residential areas in northwestern Thessaloniki, Greece, was successfully captured following a coordinated operation involving the Environmental Organisation CALLISTO, the Thessaloniki Forest Service, and the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (NECCA).
The operation followed a serious incident on 30 July 2026, when a four-year-old child was injured in the Polichni area. Based on available evidence and eyewitness accounts, authorities considered the wolf likely to have been involved in the incident.
The animal had been observed repeatedly entering residential areas in search of food and had developed problematic habituation to human presence.
Applying the LIFE WILD WOLF Risk Assessment Protocol
The decision to capture and remove the animal was taken by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, following consultation with the competent authorities and organisations and taking into account recommendations developed within the LIFE WILD WOLF project.
The project's preliminary protocol for managing incidents involving wolves approaching urban and peri-urban areas identifies recorded attacks on humans as incidents belonging to the highest risk category.
In this case, the combination of the reported attack, the animal's repeated presence in residential areas, and its severely compromised health condition made immediate intervention necessary, with human safety as the primary priority.
The protocol, developed within the framework of LIFE WILD WOLF, which is implemented in Greece by CALLISTO and NECCA, provides a scientific basis for assessing potentially problematic wolf behaviour and determining appropriate management responses.
A Coordinated Capture and Veterinary Response
The wolf was captured on the evening of 13 August 2026, on the first day that specialised traps installed by CALLISTO were activated.
The operation was carried out by CALLISTO's Wolf Rapid Response Team, with the assistance of the Thessaloniki Forest Service and NECCA's Central Macedonia Protected Areas Management Unit.
Following the capture, veterinary examination revealed that the female wolf was severely undernourished and in poor health. The animal weighed just 24.5 kg, bore scars from previous injuries, and had lost its left hind leg, with an open wound at the amputation site.
The wolf received immediate veterinary care and was safely transferred to a specialised transport crate, where it recovered from anaesthesia.
Blood samples were also collected for genetic analysis at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as required by the Ministry's decision.
On 14 August 2026, the animal was handed over to the Environmental Organisation ARCTUROS for transfer to its Wolf & Lynx Conservation Centre in Agrapidies, Florina, where further veterinary examinations and care were arranged.
Understanding Wolf Habituation in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas
The wolf had been repeatedly approaching residential areas of the Municipalities of Pavlos Melas and Neapoli-Sykies through Thessaloniki's peri-urban forest, Seich Sou.
Its movements appeared to be associated with the search for easily accessible food sources, including waste, animal carcasses, and stray animals.
Repeated access to human-related food sources can contribute to wolves gradually becoming accustomed to human presence, potentially increasing the likelihood of close encounters.
However, the presence of wolves near residential areas does not automatically indicate a threat to human safety.
Wolves are generally wary of people, and attacks by healthy wolves on humans are rare. Understanding the circumstances behind unusual wolf behaviour is therefore essential for determining appropriate management responses.
Prevention and Public Awareness Are Essential
The incident highlights the importance of preventing wolves from accessing food sources associated with human activities.
Residents in areas where wolves may occur are encouraged to follow basic preventive measures:
Never feed wolves, either intentionally or indirectly.
Avoid leaving accessible food waste or animal carcasses near residential areas.
Do not approach or attempt to interact with wolves, even if they appear calm or accustomed to people.
Report repeated wolf sightings or unusual behaviour to the competent Forest Service and local Police Department.
Remain calm and follow the guidance provided by the relevant authorities.
These measures can help reduce the risk of habituation and support safer coexistence between people and wolves.
Science-Based Management and Cooperation in Action
The successful capture of the wolf demonstrates the importance of timely intervention, systematic monitoring, and coordinated action when potentially dangerous human–wolf interactions occur.
It also illustrates the practical contribution of LIFE WILD WOLF in developing scientific protocols and supporting public authorities in assessing and responding to complex situations involving wolves in human-dominated landscapes.
Through cooperation between CALLISTO, the Thessaloniki Forest Service, NECCA, ARCTUROS, and the scientific community, the operation prioritised public safety while ensuring the animal received appropriate veterinary care.
LIFE WILD WOLF continues to promote evidence-based management, prevention, and public awareness as essential elements of responsible human–wolf coexistence.
This article is based on the joint press release issued by CALLISTO Environmental Organisation, the Thessaloniki Forest Service, and ARCTUROS Environmental Organisation.
