A young wolf pounced on a five-year-old girl who was playing on the beach in the Greek holiday hotspot of Neos Marmaras, in the Halkidiki peninsula, in the north of the country
A young girl has suffered injuries in a savage wolf attack at a Greek holiday resort.
The five-year-old was reportedly holidaying with her family when the wild beast struck at the popular destination of Neos Marmaras, situated on the Halkidiki peninsula in northern Greece. Thankfully, the young wolf was frightened away by the child’s mother, preventing more serious harm.
The Serbian youngster sustained bite marks and scratches to her back and leg during the assault, which occurred last Friday around 8am. According to local media, she had been playing on the beach when the wolf suddenly emerged and launched its attack.
The girl, whose identity has not been revealed, received treatment at a local health centre before being transferred to hospital as a precautionary measure and later released. Officials are now attempting to locate the wolf, which wildlife experts believe has formed a “problematic” bond with humans.
Iason Bantios, a representative from wildlife organisation Callisto, explained: “It appears to be a young wolf who has developed a problematic… familiarity with humans. This does not generally happen with wolves.”, reports the Mirror.
Surveillance equipment has been installed across the region in efforts to find the creature, with the Halkidiki area known to harbour wolves and jackals. Residents have also been urged to exercise caution, particularly when accompanied by pets and youngsters.
Mr Bantios told Proto Thema: “We advise people in Neos Marmaras to avoid walking around with dogs or children after dark and early in the morning.”
Footage reveals the wolf boldly strolling through the village and around beach huts, showing no fear of humans. This is understandably causing alarm among local residents and holidaymakers.
“Drones fly at night to track the wolf’s movements. Traps will be placed this week to capture the animal,” stated Athanasios Mallinis, the Deputy Mayor of Sithonia. “It is the first time in Greece that a wolf attack on a human has been recorded. Until now, we have only had wolf attacks on animals.”
This incident follows a terrifying event in the Netherlands where a six year old child was attacked by a wolf and dragged into the woods, much to his mother’s horror.
The young lad had been playing at a nature reserve near Austerlitz, Utrecht, when the wolf struck, leaving him with severe bite wounds that required stitches. After being dragged into the woods, two men rushed to his aid, fending off the beast with sticks to rescue the boy.
This is just the latest in a series of wolf attacks in the area, believed to be the work of a “problem wolf” identified as GW3237m, or Bram as he’s been nicknamed. He has also been implicated in biting a girl and knocking over a toddler.
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