The Regional Unit of Halkidiki has issued an announcement regarding the presence of a wolf in the area of Neos Marmaras, in the Municipality of Sithonia, calling on residents and visitors to exercise particular caution when moving through forested and suburban areas.
Read: Halkidiki: Wolf attacks woman walking her dog
The announcement aims to prevent dangerous encounters with wild animals and ensure compliance with general safety guidelines issued by the Forest Authority.
Halkidiki Regional Unit guidelines for residents
The presence of wolves near residential areas is often linked to easily accessible food sources, such as livestock carcasses, garbage, and stray or domestic animals. Frequent wolf approaches to human infrastructure can familiarize them with human presence, increasing the risk of unwanted encounters.
Although wolf attacks on humans are rare, authorities recommend:
- Confining pets and domestic animals in well-fenced areas, especially at night. In case of a female dog in heat, strict confinement is required.
- Avoiding feeding wild animals, either intentionally or unintentionally.
- Proper waste management – do not leave food scraps outside bins or in forest areas.
- Avoiding walks in areas with wolf presence during hours of limited lighting (dawn – dusk).
- Keep dogs on leashes during walks and make noise to alert wildlife.
- Do not bury or dispose of dead animals in the countryside – they attract wolves and other wild animals.
In case of an encounter with a wolf:
- Do not run or panic – maintain eye contact.
- If the wolf approaches within 20-30 meters, make noise and wave objects to appear more threatening.
- Do not attempt to photograph the animal up close and do not approach it.
- Report the incident to the local Forest Service (day, time, exact location, number of wolves).
- Remember that killing or injuring wolves by any means is criminally prosecuted.
