Wolf sightings
For about two years, in the territory of Circeo National Park, the presence of the wolf has been reported and the possibility of making a "close" encounter with one of these specimens can occur especially during a walk in the protected area. In order to protect and safeguard this wonderful species, favoring a peaceful coexistence with human beings, the Park Authority considers it of great importance to bring some information and warnings to the attention of citizens. The wolf is a species protected by national and European Union legislation, so it cannot be hunted or killed. In exceptional cases, the current legislation allows to derogate from this protection status but only in the case of animals considered "problematic".
The relationship with man
Up to now, in Italy, no derogation measures have ever been issued. Wolves do not regard humans as prey and do not attack: they are wary and, if they can, keep a safe distance. In Italy, where the presence of wolves is recorded even in the most populated areas, sightings remain infrequent and accidents with people have never been documented in the last seventy years. As with all wild animals, there is no need to approach or leave food available. In most cases, the wolf moves away spontaneously. Once a herd establishes itself in an areal it forms a nucleus made up of parents and pups. On average, the herd is made up of 5-6 individuals who occupy and defend a vast territory, about 200 square kilometers.
Search for new territories
At the local level, the Park Authority has currently ascertained the presence of only one herd and the number of individuals is stable. The puppies are born in spring and at the age of one year they leave their place of origin in search of new territories. The pack defends its territory by driving away or killing wolves from other packs that try to enter it. Wolves try to avoid contact with humans but, sometimes, it can happen. Approaches to man-made areas are more frequent at night. With the formation of new herds, the number of sightings tends to increase because the opportunities to cross roads and urban environments are higher. The expansion of the wolf in Italy, in the last forty years, has been the result exclusively of the natural dynamics of the species; in Europe, in fact, no wolves have ever been captured before being transferred and released for restocking purposes. Normally the wolf moves away before being sighted thanks to its excellent sense of smell and hearing. In the case of a close encounter, a behavior of respect and common sense is recommended: it will be enough to speak aloud and possibly wave your arms to move the animal away. Once the wolf has moved away, avoid following him or interfering with his behavior. Do not disturb the wolf if there are puppies or if it is eating.
Confidence of the species
There are rare cases in which the wolf shows confidence by approaching spontaneously: this anomalous event must be reported to the management bodies of protected natural areas, provinces or forest police officers responsible for the territory. In all cases in which the presence of one or more wolves is observed in the distance, it is recommended to remain silent or observe without interfering. Furthermore, if you own a dog, it is important to underline that it is forbidden to let it wander off the leash, pursuant to current legislation (in particular the order of March 3, 2009 of the Ministry of Labor, Health, Social Policies). In fact, dogs let loose are a danger to wildlife and domestic animals, and they are themselves in danger: the wolves, in fact, could identify them as rivals, injure them or even kill them. If the dogs are on a leash the wolf is unlikely to come close. However, exceptional situations of approach can occur when the wolf shows a particular interest in the dog (for example if it is a female in heat). In this case, the advice given above is valid to get the wolf away, avoiding interposing between the two animals. The Park Authority has issued a specific ordinance to regulate access with dogs within the territory of the Circeo National Park.