MAP: Wolves have returned to most French departments

Wolves are continuing to be spotted in more areas of France after their return in the 1990s following a century of absence. 

The south-west department of Gironde is the latest to confirm their presence following a spate of attacks on sheep.

Wolves reappeared in France in the early 1990s, crossing the Alps from Italy. Their ‘strictly protected' status under European wildlife protection laws facilitated their spread.

However, following their rise in numbers across Europe, this status has been downgraded to simply 'protected' in Europe, namely to protect cattle. 

Read more: Wolf numbers increase in France, rules on hunting them to be relaxed

Today, they are present in - or at least occasional visitors to - every region of France, with the exception of Corsica.

The Office français de la biodiversité - the agency responsible for tracking French wildlife - confirmed on October 21, 2024, that wolves had returned to Gironde, leaving only 14 mainland departments entirely wolf-free.

Read more: VIDEO: wolf runs on ski slope next to skier in French Alps