How are wolves adapting to increasingly human-dominated landscapes, and what does their presence mean for local communities? A new documentary produced by Maiella National Park within the LIFE WILD WOLF project explores these questions through scientific research, real-life experiences, and years of field monitoring.
The documentary “Wolves in Town”, produced by Maiella National Park as part of the LIFE WILD WOLF project, is now available online!
Directed by Claudio Rufa (Evoca) and developed as part of the work of the park's Wildlife Research Center, the film offers an evidence-based perspective on the increasingly visible presence of wolves in urban and peri-urban environments.
Rather than presenting wolves as either a threat or a harmless presence, the documentary explores the complexity of a changing ecological reality that is becoming increasingly relevant across Italy and other European countries.
Wolves in Human-Dominated Landscapes: A Changing Reality
Across Italy, wolves are increasingly being recorded in landscapes shaped by human activities, from the outskirts of large metropolitan areas to peri-urban valleys.
Drawing on years of field monitoring and scientific data, Wolves in Town documents different aspects of this phenomenon, including wolves moving through metropolitan areas and stable family groups living near settlements while feeding primarily on wild prey.
These observations reveal the diversity of situations in which wolves and people share the same landscapes, highlighting the importance of understanding wolf ecology and behaviour before drawing conclusions about potential risks or management needs.
From Scientific Monitoring to Real-Life Management Challenges
The documentary goes beyond observing wolves in their natural environment. It also explores the practical challenges faced by wildlife professionals, local communities, and public authorities.
Through real cases, the film presents specialised veterinary interventions and capture operations, illustrating how experts respond to situations that raise concerns among local residents.
It also highlights the role of scientific research and institutional cooperation in addressing the challenges associated with wolves living close to human settlements.
As wolf presence in human-dominated areas becomes an increasingly relevant issue across Europe, such experiences provide valuable insights for wildlife conservation and management.
Understanding as the Foundation for Coexistence
The themes explored in Wolves in Town are closely connected to the objectives of LIFE WILD WOLF, which works to improve knowledge and management of human–wolf interactions, particularly in urban and peri-urban environments.
By combining scientific evidence, field experience, and real-life situations, the documentary encourages viewers to look beyond simplified narratives about wolves and consider the ecological and social dimensions of coexistence.
It also reinforces a central message of the project: effective coexistence requires reliable information, a better understanding of wolf behaviour, and informed responses to the concerns of local communities.
Watch “Wolves in Town” Online
The documentary is now available online, offering an opportunity for wildlife professionals, stakeholders, and the wider public to explore the changing relationship between wolves and human-dominated landscapes.
🎬 Watch the documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXURDkASU0E
Produced by Maiella National Park, within the framework of the LIFE WILD WOLF project.
Directed by Claudio Rufa (Evoca).
Because understanding is the first step towards coexistence.
