Three tourists sustained injuries in a suspected wolf attack at an Italian holiday resort in Gallipoli on Thursday evening. The incident, captured on video, involved a 52-year-old tourist and her 12-year-old daughter, as well as a 47-year-old man staying at the same accommodation.
In the footage, the man is seen attempting to fend off the animal with kicks and punches while intervening in the attack on the mother and daughter within a tourist facility in Punta Pizzo. Earlier, the mother and daughter had handed their pet dog to another woman, who is seen in the video fleeing the scene with the dog.
All three individuals were transported to a hospital for their injuries and have since been discharged. While several outlets have identified the animal as a wolf, this has not been officially confirmed. Italian news agency Ansa reported that an investigation into the exact species of the animal is ongoing. The Forestry Carabinieri are monitoring the area.
Italy is believed to be home to approximately 3,300 wolves, according to 2022 figures. Strict conservation laws enacted in the 1970s have contributed to their recovery from near extinction.
This incident occurs amidst a series of recent wild animal attacks reported in Italy. In Bari, Puglia, searches are underway for an animal that attacked three children on August 4 and severely injured two people on August 15 in Noicattaro. Following these attacks, local mayors have ordered the closure of parks and green spaces at night, with plans to reopen them soon. A task force has been utilizing thermal imaging cameras, drones, and snares in an effort to capture the animal.
Experts have noted that while the animal's morphology suggests a wolf, its behavior is considered abnormal. Antonio Camarda, a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Bari and a member of the task force, stated that wolves typically do not attack humans as they are not prey. However, he suggested that habituation to feeding on stray animals might lead wolves to venture closer to populated areas.
Further incidents include the mauling of a French bulldog in Oria and San Pietro Vernotico on Thursday, and ongoing searches for an animal that attacked a four-year-old girl in Valnerina, Umbria, on July 9. The region of Riccione has also implemented nighttime closures of its green spaces until September 3.