Successful Operation to Remove a Wolf from Amygdaleza, Acharnes

The operation to capture, radio-tag, and relocate a wolf from the premises of the Police Academy in Amygdaleza, Acharnes, where the animal had been trapped for the past two weeks, has been successfully completed. The wolf, a young male approximately two years old and weighing 28 kg, was released into a nearby forested area after being fitted with a satellite collar for tracking. The trapping operation began on January 27 and concluded in the early hours of February 8, with the support of the Hellenic Police throughout.

The wolf initially entered the academy grounds, likely seeking safety from dogs and other wolves due to the enclosed environment. He remained within the premises for about two weeks, being active mainly at night while searching for food. To resolve the issue, the academy administration contacted the Parnitha Forestry Office, which then informed the environmental organization Callisto and the Management Unit for National Parks of Parnitha, Schinias, and the Protected Areas of the Saronic Gulf (NECCA). These organizations form the Rapid Response Team for Wolves under the European LIFE Wild Wolf project.

The Rapid Response Team, coordinated by Dr. G. Iliopoulos of Callisto, placed specialized traps to safely capture the animal. The traps were monitored 24/7 by NECCA staff, while the sedation and release operation was supported by Callisto's veterinarian, Ms. Fotopoulou. Finally, at 4:00 a.m. on February 8, the wolf was successfully trapped, sedated, radio-tagged, and released into the foothills of Mount Parnitha by personnel from Callisto and NECCA.

The procedures of trapping, sedation, tagging, transportation, and revival are internationally recognized and effective in most cases. This approach causes the animal to experience a necessary shock, subsequently reducing its tendency to approach populated areas. The wolf’s movements will now be monitored daily using a GPS Iridium collar by Callisto. If the animal approaches areas of high human activity in the future, data from the collar will help determine its location, enabling its deterrence.

The LIFE Wild Wolf project aims to prevent and manage incidents of wolf-human interaction in anthropogenic landscapes and peri-urban areas across Europe. The project is being implemented in eight European countries in collaboration with 18 partners. In Greece, the project focuses on the Parnitha National Park and surrounding areas, with the key contribution of the Management Unit for National Parks of Parnitha, Schinias, and the Protected Areas of the Saronic Gulf.

Photo from the rescue operation of Sophocles on February 8, 2024 (D. Binas / OFYPEKA)