An increase in “wolf not excluded” attacks in Finistère, according to the prefect [Vidéo]

“There are more and more attacks in which the wolf attacker is not excluded,” said this Tuesday, November 19, the prefect of Finistère, Alain Espinasse, after a meeting of the committee departmental “wolf”, at the Armorique Regional Natural Park (PNRA), in Faou. Between 2022 and November 13, 2024, reports of damage, that is to say animals killed or injured, increased from eight to eighty. Among these findings, the share of “not excluded wolves” also increased, from six to thirty-four. The prefect also reaffirmed the presence of a “genetically identified” wolf in the department. “That doesn’t mean there aren’t others.”

Five cattle breeders introduce a protection dog

If the number of attacks has increased, the type of livestock affected has also evolved. “For the first time in 2024, we observed attacks on cattle,” continues Alain Espinasse. The wolf could be behind seven attacks on young cattle since the start of the year. Thus, five breeders “volunteered” to introduce a protection dog into their herd. “They are financially supported by the State,” says the prefect. For their part, cattle breeders are still asking to be included in the protection measures financed by the State, which is not currently provided for in the national action plan on wolves.

Circles 1 and 2 expanded and saliva test under discussion

“Today, the national action plan on wolves does not provide for a saliva test” carried out on prey, recalls Alain Espinasse. “I proposed, in Paris, that we could set them up on an experimental basis in Finistère.” According to the prefect, this would allow “to have a more detailed genetic knowledge of wolves” and to determine with certainty whether the attacks really come from a wolf.

Finally, to take into account recent predations, the departmental “wolf” committee extends circle 1 from ten to 18 municipalities and circle 2 from 66 to 82 municipalities for the year 2025

. This zoning entitles the State to cover protection costs.