Wolves in Phthiotis tore to pieces 10 hunting dogs in four days

Serious concern cause wolf attacks Phthiotiswhere just for four days torn to pieces by predators 10 hunting dogs. Hunters talk about unprecedented and dangerous change in behavior wolves.

Lambros Callivastreasurer Lamia Hunting Unionspeaking on Monday (19/1), noted that the problem is no longer limited to weekends and has become daily natureand the epicenter of attacks recently has become western Phthiotis.

According to him, in just four days there were recorded ten dead hunting dogs in the area from Gardiki to Paleovrahi – the number that hunters call extremely high and alarming.

“Wolves are now hunting dogs”

As the representative of the hunters emphasized, such attacks do not correspond to traditional wolf behavior. In the past, wolves tended to did not attack hunting or herding dogslimiting itself to single attacks on livestock.

Today the situation is different: wolves, according to hunters, respond to the sounds of bells and beeperswhich dogs are equipped with, and purposefully attack themoften tearing on the spot.

“If we had talked about this before, no one would have believed us. Wolves hunt dogs. This is something unprecedented“,” noted L. Kallivas.

Concerns about possible hybrids

Of additional concern is likelihood of wolf hybrids appearing. According to hunters, animals with atypical coloring – white tails, “white socks” on the paws or spotted fur, which is not typical for greek wolf.

At the European level, as Kallivas noted, there are special protocols for managing such casesincluding DNA analysis and, if necessary, seizure of hybrids to protect the pure population.

“If hybridization is confirmed, it will be a serious threat not only to the wolf as a species, but also to humans“, he emphasized.

Wolves near populated areas

The problem extends beyond hunting grounds. There are reports of the appearance of wolves near residential areas.

Just before Christmas two wolves were spotted in the area Evrytanon villagenear Prophet Elijahand under normal weather conditions, when lack of food could not explain their appearance.

Similar cases were reported in other areas Phthiotideswhich heightens concerns about behavioral changes predators.

Hunters change routes

After a series of attacks, the hunters were forced change places and methods of huntingtrying to protect their dogs.

“For us, a dog is not a tool, but a companion. She grows up with us, lives in our house. Losing her like this isn’t easy.“, said L. Kallivas.

He called competent authorities act immediately, based on scientific data and making decisions on central levelbefore the situation takes irreversible nature.

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