The presence of a wolf was officially confirmed in Seine-et-Marne on Wednesday evening by the departmental prefecture. The animal has been sighted in recent days on the outskirts of the villages of Beton-Bazoches and Saint-Mars-Vieux-Maisons, in the east of the department, near the RN 4 highway. This sighting, which surprised local officials, follows two separate reports made in early November.
On November 9, a farmer in Beton-Bazoches observed a large canid only about ten meters from his farm. Footprints were found at the site, prompting an investigation. Four days later, on November 13, a second sighting was reported in Saint-Mars-Vieux-Maisons, a village located about ten kilometers away.The French Biodiversity Agency (OFB) quickly went to the scene to take samples and collect witness statements. On November 17, the OFB's national network formally confirmed that it was indeed a wolf.
A meeting was held on Wednesday at the Seine-et-Marne Departmental Directorate of Territories to take stock of this unprecedented situation. Alain Boullot, mayor of Beton-Bazoches, a town of nearly 930 inhabitants, was surprised to hear the news. "A wolf here? That's news to me, I wasn't aware of that," he said, adding that he was "not worried" about it.
Not necessarily. The prefecture is keen to put these sightings into perspective. "This type of chance, isolated sighting can occur in autumn/winter and does not prove that the wolf has settled permanently in Seine-et-Marne," the official statement said. Frédéric Lavigne, chief of staff to the prefect, confirms: "As we speak, it may be very far from here." And with good reason, as the OFB points out that solitary wolves can travel several hundred kilometers. These large canids are known for their ability to cover vast territories, especially during periods of dispersal.
To date, no attacks on livestock have been reported in the department. The prefecture emphasizes this point and reminds the public that wolves are a protected species in France. However, a specific communication will be sent to the professionals concerned, particularly farmers in the area, to inform them of the situation and the precautions to be taken.
No, this is not a first for the department. Back in 2023, the carcass of a wolf hit by a motorist was discovered on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest. An autopsy confirmed that the animal was indeed a wolf. This new sighting is evidence of the gradual return of the species to the Île-de-France region, although its presence remains sporadic and not yet permanent. The authorities will continue to monitor the situation and keep residents and professionals informed of any new sightings.
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