Italy’s wolf population has risen to an estimated 3,000 to 3,500 animals, a dramatic recovery from the early 1970s when the species was close to extinction.
In early January, a video filmed on a residential street in the northern city of Pesaro went viral. Recorded from inside a car, it showed a wolf running just metres away before disappearing down a side road, with the lights of a bar visible in the background.
Similar sightings have been reported in recent weeks across the Romagna region, including in Rimini and Cesena. Social media clips show wolves wandering past houses, while one video captures a pack of three killing a cat in the street.
The frequency of these encounters has triggered a debate about the impact of resurging wildlife on urban communities. Similar concerns have also emerged in Bologna and other European countries, including France, Germany and Spain.
The issue reached national attention on 6 January when Rimini Fellini Airport temporarily closed after a pack of four wolves was seen near the runway. Flights were suspended as a precaution, although only one was affected due to reduced winter operations.
Pier Claudio Arrigoni, a wildlife and hunting expert in the Rimini area, said the wolves had been present locally for around two years and were likely attracted by hares. He suggested snowfall had pushed the animals away from their usual hunting grounds.
Food waste attracts wolves into urban areas
In response to rising concerns, Rimini has set up a dedicated ‘Wolf Help Desk’ to advise residents. According to nature scientist Tania Bascucci, food waste and pet food left outdoors are key factors drawing wolves into urban areas.
She said attacks on humans remain rare and usually occur only when wolves lose their natural fear of people. However, domestic animals such as dogs, sheep and goats are frequently targeted because they are easier prey.
Bascucci advised residents to keep animals enclosed at night and to use specially designed fencing to prevent access.
Despite these measures, some residents remain unconvinced. A group in Rimini has formed a ‘wolf emergency’ committee, arguing that the growing population poses an unacceptable risk.
“We must choose whether to leave our territory to wolves or to humans; there is no coexistence,” the group said in a statement.
