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Photo: wolf spotted near Saint-Tropez
Mairie warns residents to be cautious and confirms area is under surveillance
Multiple sightings of a wolf near Saint-Tropez have been confirmed by local authorities, with residents and visitors advised not to approach it.
The wolf – it appears to be a lone animal and not part of a pack – was spotted in the Les Salins area of the tourist hotspot, to the east of the town centre, over the weekend.
Saint-Tropez mairie confirmed the sightings on its Facebook page, saying it had contacted the French Office for Biodiversity (Office français de la biodiversité, OFB) and other state services “to ensure the situation is closely monitored.”
It shared a photograph of the wolf, which can be seen at the top of this article.
The area has been under surveillance since Friday (September 25), including by the local wolf control officer (lieutenant de louveterie).
“Patrols are being conducted, and camera traps have been installed to better identify the animal and track its movements and habits,” the mairie added.
“Initial images show the animal moving away when humans are present. Nevertheless, its behaviour and movements are being carefully monitored to ensure a precise understanding of the situation.”
It is the latest of several wolf sightings in the Var department, including in the centre of Fréjus, a town with an urbanised core.
The OFB estimates there are around 1,000 wolves in France, and they have spread across the country since their return to the country from Italy in 1992, through the Mercantour national park.
They remain a protected species, but a recently-passed agriculture bill seeks to give farmers more rights to shoot the animals if they threaten livestock.
Report further sightings, stay away from animal
The mairie has asked residents and visitors to take precautions if in the Les Salins area.
These include:
Do not attempt to approach or follow the animal
Do not feed wild boars or other wild animals, and do not leave food accessible
Ensure household waste is securely contained
Secure chicken coops and bring poultry indoors at night
Keep dogs on a lead and, in the affected area, prioritise walking them during the day
If you see it keep your distance and report its presence to the appropriate authorities without attempting to follow or track it down. Email environnement@ville-sainttropez.fr
“The goal is to foster peaceful coexistence among wildlife, residents, domestic animals, and human activities, while complying with regulations and respecting the wolf's protected status,” the mairie said.
Authorities will “keep residents informed of any significant developments regarding the situation.”
Locals can follow relevant social media pages including the official Facebook page for updates.
