wolves now at the gates of cities

Within seconds, the lamb’s fate is sealed. The wolf, in ambush, attacked the whole herd. In Genas (Rhône), it is amazement. The wolf returned three days later, but found no prey. In Haute-Savoie, wolves are regularly filmed in town. Its presence is more surprising in the forest of Fontainebleau (Seine-et-Marne). Others have also been seen in Vendée, and in Finistère.

The dispersal period

Since its first observation in 1992, the territory of the wolf has continued to expand, including towards urban areas. Its expansion is closely monitored by the French Office for Biodiversity, particularly in the Rhône. “It’s not at all surprising to see wolves there, for the simple reason that already in the Rhône we are very urbanized so roads, there are everywhere. Then, at this time of the year, it is a period of dispersal for youngsters. The breeding grounds are in the Alps and then they try to look for a new territory“, explains Amélie Chantereau, environmental inspector.