A rare wolf incident in northern Greece has put Halkidiki on alert: a young wolf reportedly attacked a five-year-old girl playing on a beach in Neos Marmaras last Friday, prompting authorities to take swift action.
Local wildlife group Callisto says the animal appears to be a young wolf that has lost its fear of humans, venturing into beach areas and residential zones. It first drew attention when it was seen harassing a dog at the beginning of September and has been spotted roaming beaches—sometimes near sunbeds—both during daylight and at night.
The child, a five-year-old girl from Serbia, was bitten on her back and scratched on her leg and stomach. Her mother was nearby and intervened. She was taken to a local health center and then to the hospital as a precaution; she has since been discharged and recovered.
What the Authorities Plan to Do
Greece’s Environment Ministry has announced it will attempt to locate the wolf using traps, cameras, drones, and tranquilizer guns. If these fail, hunters may be authorized to shoot the animal.
Preventive measures advised to locals include not leaving food or garbage outdoors, avoiding walking with children or pets near dawn and dusk, and reporting sightings to wildlife authorities.
What Travelers Should Know
- If you have plans to visit Halkidiki soon (especially Neos Marmaras), be extra cautious on beaches, particularly early in the morning or after dark.
- Families with children should avoid letting children play alone on less busy beaches and keep pets under close control.
- Hotels and resorts may issue local guidance or warnings; checking with your accommodation about wildlife safety can help.
- Moving forward, tourism could be affected if this incident erodes visitors’ sense of safety. Scenic walks, beach relaxation, and seaside dining—all big draws in the region—may see fewer people or extra caution.
The wolf sighting is a reminder to take simple precautions — keep food sealed, supervise children, and avoid quiet stretches of beach at dusk. For locals, it is a call to balance safety with respect for the wild creatures that still roam northern Greece. The answer should not be fear alone, but a wiser management that keeps people safe while preserving the fragile coexistence that makes places like Halkidiki feel untamed and alive.
