Italy has been in the news and in our posts for a number of wildlife issues. International attention came to the peninsula due to feral pigs. The pigs have come into Rome and other cities and continue to wreak havoc. Government policies have permitted the return of wolves to parts of the nation. But the rise of urban Italian wolves is causing concern in the country. Especially in Siena whose mayor is calling for help.
But according to The Telegraph one city is sounding the alarm about urban Italian wolves. Siena, about 135 miles north of Rome, is suffering some wolf related problems. The animals are brazen. Wolves walk openly in the streets, they kill livestock and pets are disappearing. The mayor has written a letter seeking assistance.
But there isn’t much to be done as the animals are strongly protected by Italian and European law.
According to the Telegraph:
“The situation has caused such concern that the city council this week issued an appeal for help to Tuscany’s regional government and the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research, a national body.
The appeal was written by Nicoletta Fabio, the mayor, and Barbara Magi, the councillor (cq) responsible for the environment.
“Day by day, there is increasing alarm among residents,” the mayor said in her letter.
She said she was aware that wolves were a protected species under EU legislation but added that she was concerned for public safety.
One factor contributing to the apex predators’ presence is the fact that much agricultural land on the outskirts of Siena is no longer farmed.”
The wolves are rebounding in Italy for a variety of reasons. Protection has resulted in a large increase in numbers. The increase has resulted in poisonings.
Recently, Italy was celebrating the return of wolves, thought now to number over 1,000. It was even hoped they could put a dent in the population of feral hogs. Hogs wander the streets of several Italian cities. It has been hoped urban Italian wolves would eat enough pork to make a difference anc stay in the woods.