Wolf sighted in Chamonix

The rare wild animal was seen early in the morning in the Lavancher area by a piste patroller, before the ski slopes had opened for the day. It appears he had just finished his breakfast as the remains of other wild animals were found relatively nearby in the woods above Argentiere.

Wolves were driven out of the French Alps many years ago by hunting and farming methods, but sought refuge in the Italian Alps just the other side of Mont Blanc. There have been frequent sightings in recent years, causing consternation amongst farmers who wish to reserve the right to shoot them if they are posing a threat to their livestock. There are only thought to be 150-200 wolves in France; these days they are a protected species and the hunting of them is strictly forbidden. Farmers must lodge a formal complaint if they believe their flocks to be in danger and then it is up to the government to decide whether or not to send out a specially appointed marksman to "deal with" the problem.

This is the first time that a wolf has been seen in the Chamonix valley for many years and its presence has not yet been confirmed by the "Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage" (National Office of Hunting & of Wild Animals).

Source : Radio Mont Blanc & Le Dauphiné Libéré