Gray wolves are reestablishing themselves in Normandy, with recent sightings in the Orne and Manche departments. This marks the first confirmed wolf presence in Orne since the species’ recovery in France began in the 1990s. Nationwide, the wolf population has surged from 25 in 1999 to over 1,100 by early 2023, expanding into more than three-quarters of French departments. Various regions have reported wolf predation, prompting protective measures for livestock.
Is the Gray Wolf Making a Comeback in Normandy?
The gray wolf appears to be reclaiming its territory in Normandy, as sightings of a large canine exhibiting the distinct morphological features of this species have been reported multiple times recently. The French Office for Biodiversity confirms that these observations are primarily concentrated in the Orne and Manche departments. Notably, this marks the first sighting of a wolf in Orne since the species began its natural resurgence in France during the early 1990s. According to a statement from the prefecture on February 3, the solitary nature of this animal, spotted away from established wolf populations, indicates it is likely in a dispersal phase, actively seeking a new territory. It is worth noting that these wolves can cover distances of up to a hundred kilometers in a single day in search of a new home.
The Expanding Wolf Population in France
As of 2024, the wolf population in the French Alps remains stable with 1,013 individuals recorded, as per the annual report from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes prefecture. Over the past three decades, since their official return, wolves have gradually expanded their range from the southern regions to the west and north of France. Currently, wolves inhabit more than three-quarters of the departments across the country.
The Loup-Lynx network, comprising both professionals and volunteers, plays a crucial role in monitoring these wolves by gathering evidence in the field. The French Office for Biodiversity is responsible for coordinating these efforts and provides annual estimates of the wolf population nationwide, which also informs regulations surrounding hunting quotas. From a mere 25 wolves in 1999, the population has surged to 1,104 by the end of winter 2022-2023, showcasing a significant recovery.
The wolf’s territory is steadily expanding, moving from the Alps through the Grand Est region and into Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with a notable presence in Occitanie due to the availability of game. According to a survey by Le Figaro from August, 83 departments have sought state assistance to implement protective measures for livestock, which include the use of shepherds, electrified night pens, and Patou dogs. Reports indicate confirmed wolf predation in 60 departments, with Aisne and Deux-Sèvres being the latest areas to witness the return of the wolf.
Incredibly, the wolf has been sighted in previously unoccupied territories. For instance, its presence in Gironde was officially confirmed last October, marking its return after over a century. In Orne, authorities had not officially identified the wolf since its local extinction in the early 20th century, with the last confirmed traces dating back to 1916. Historical records note that the wolf disappeared from Orne and Normandy around 1888, with a few sightings reported in the early 1900s. Nicolas Blanchard’s 2023 book, ‘L’Orne et le loup,’ serves as a significant reference on the wolf’s historical presence in the region. Nearby, wolves have also been sighted in Manche (2023), Calvados (2022), Eure (2021), Seine-Maritime, and Eure-et-Loir (2020), with additional reports from Sarthe and Finistère in recent years.