THE EAGLE. Two wolves walking near the town of Sant’Elia. The sighting, which occurred last Sunday afternoon, immediately triggered checks by the Forestry Carabinieri of the L’Aquila group, who patrolled the affected areas for the necessary checks, to protect both citizens and animals.
«Wildlife», the Forestry Department declares in a note, «is protected by community regulations and national laws as it is a naturalistic heritage of great value, so much so that it goes beyond national borders». Wild species, they explain, must be preserved, “since they play a role in natural ecosystems and in the agro-silvo-pastoral context which cannot be impoverished”. It is therefore forbidden to capture animals with nets and traps and it is up to the forestry carabinieri to manage the phenomena of coexistence between animals and citizens, in urban and peri-urban areas, for the protection and conservation of the environment and fauna.
«The reports of the presence of the wolf in the plains or in inhabited centers, far from their mountain and forest habitat, can be attributed to the search for new spaces by the young specimens who “break away” from the pack in search of prey, which they Sometimes they feed at the bottom of the valley, in the cultivated areas close to the villages, especially in periods of poor food supply or in periods of drought.”
The forestry police also reassure people regarding the danger of the wolf towards humans. «It should be highlighted», underlines the note, «that no attacks on humans by wolves have been recorded for many years now. They often pass through population centers without harming anyone.” At the same time, however, there is a recommendation not to engage in incorrect practices, such as abandoning carcasses or waste in the environment. In fact, it should be remembered that “we are always in the presence of a predator that could exhibit anomalous behaviour”.
In the case of close encounters with a wolf, the forestry police recommend using extreme caution, “taking into account that these are animals with shy and suspicious habits towards humans”. «Stop and make some noise, stand at an adequate distance, do not leave food available, keep small pets on a leash».
In order to monitor the presence of wild animals in inhabited areas, the nearest Carabinieri Forestry Unit should be contacted on the emergency number 112.
