top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Mystery mountain ibex moves into Haute-Savoie garden

A mysterious Alpine ibex has moved into a private garden in the Haute-Savoie, with the owner and a local expert surprised and unsure of why it has made itself at home.

The animal has been staying in Danielle Belletti’s garden in the mountain village of Servoz, in the Chamonix valley, for three weeks, despite having easy access to the wild.

He has the mountain breed’s imposing horns, and observers believe he is around 12 years old.

Ms Belletti has nicknamed him “Gaston”, and said he usually spends the majority of his days wandering her garden, sniffing the lavender and nibbling the roses.

She contacted Jacques Toni, a local wild animal expert and wolf catcher, when Gaston arrived - but he has not been able to explain the behaviour either.

Mr Toni has admitted that he does not know why an ibex would take up residence in a local garden, and has been surprised by the apparent gentleness and domestication of the beast.

He said: “Once, when I came over [to the garden], he was sleeping right next to one of the house cats. I have never seen that.”

Ms Belletti has taken photos of Gaston, but has not yet approached the animal up close for fear to her safety - although he has not been aggressive, and even shows affectionate signs of acknowledging her when she comes outside.

She said: “I am not really afraid, but I do not know exactly how he would react if I came up close to him.”

Villagers remain welcoming but cautious.

Ibex are also known as “steinbocks” in English, and “bouquetins” in French. Although often referred to as a “deer”, they are actually more closely related to wild goat, and do not eat meat.

They tend to live in mountainous regions, and usually prefer higher altitudes near the mountain “snow line”. In Europe, they can be found across the European Alps, including in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Bulgaria, and Slovenia.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France