Confirmed: animal spotted in Gironde, south-west France, is a wolf

Residents and farmers have been warned to be vigilant after a wolf sighting was confirmed in Gironde, south-west France, for the first time in 100 years.

The departmental prefect Étienne Guyot issued the warning as the sighting was confirmed, and is set to gather a ‘surveillance cell’ in the next few days to decide on the next steps. 

 The risk to humans is very low, the prefect said, but the risk to livestock and farm animals is higher.

The wolf - at that point unconfirmed - was photographed in the commune of Braud-et-Saint-Louis, in the Haute-Gironde region (Nouvelle-Aquitaine), on Sunday, October 13.

“These images were sent to the l’Office français de la biodiversité (OFB), which was able to authenticate that it was a wolf,” said Mr Guyot, in a statement. 

“Previously, in the same geographical area, and again last weekend in the Cézac area, three cases of damage to sheep were reported. Following the expert assessments carried out by the OFB's regional office, the wolf's responsibility has not been ruled out,” he said.

Read more: Presence of wolves in Lot confirmed: where are they in France now?
Read more: Wolf numbers increase in France, rules on hunting them to be relaxed 

Increased vigilance and shelter

Mr Guyot has asked relevant public services to increase their vigilance in the Blayais area (northern Gironde). 

He is also asking farmers in the area to shelter their herds if possible. The Ministry of Agriculture has also been asked to provide funding for protective and scare equipment for farmers, to keep the wolf away from their livestock.

In the next few days, the prefect is also set to convene a monitoring unit made up of relevant local associates. These will include elected representatives, farming professionals, hunting federations, wolf wardens, and nature protection associations. 

They will be asked to share an update on the situation, present the details of the national ‘wolf and livestock farming’ action plan and the measures planned to support livestock farmers that sustain any damage from the animal (protection measures, compensation for losses suffered, etc.).

Mr Guyot has also invited local residents and farmers to report any suspected attacks on livestock (animals killed with bite marks, injured animals with bite marks) to the Direction Départementale des Territoires et de la Mer, Service eau nature on 05 47 30 51 72 or ddtm-sner@gironde.gouv.fr. 

Anyone who believes they have seen a wolf should report it to the departmental office of the OFB on 05 57 74 10 24 or sd33@ofb.gouv.fr.

Read also: First wolf aggression towards man since animal’s return to France 

The wolf is a protected species in France, and it is well known for its ability to travel over great distances. However, this is the first confirmed sighting of a wolf in Gironde for more than 100 years. 

What to do if you come across a wolf

If you do come across a wolf, stay calm and do not run away, said Antje Henkelmann, project manager for wolf conservation at NGO EuroNatur.

“Appear self-confident. If the wolf does not retreat, speak loudly or clap your hands. If the wolf approaches you, stop and make yourself look big. Move towards the animal, rather than away from it.

“Make a noise and try to intimidate the animal by waving clothes and sticks and throwing things at it.”