Since 2022, wolves have been observed on several occasions in the Monts d’Arrées and, in general, in and on the edge of the Parc naturel régional d’Armorique (PNRA). It is the first time in a century that the canis lupus is observed in Britain. A first. In recent months, three others have been seen in other Breton departments: one in Côtes-d’Armor, one in Morbihan and another in Ille-et-Vilaine.
At the beginning of the year, two observations of an isolated individual, an adult male, were confirmed by the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) in the town of Cloître-Saint-Thégonnec (Finistère). Impossible to know, however, if it was the same animal.
Then, a few days ago, it was in Sizun, still in the Arrée mountains, that another canis lupus was seen walking in a cornfield. According to a resident, the imposing animal must have weighed 60 to 70 kg. Thanks to pictures he was able to take in time, the OFB certified that it was indeed a gray wolf.
Aid for the accompaniment of herds by dogs
Also, since the beginning of the year, the prefecture of Finistère, after several consultations with its municipalities, associations and breeders, following a few attacks on herds, has set up a Plan Loup adapted to the situation of the department. By decree of January 12, 2023, Philippe Mahé, prefect of Finistère, delimited, for the whole of 2023, areas of eligibility for aid to protect farms and herds against wolf predation.
Almost the entire department is placed in zones 2 and 3. “This classification is established annually according to the pressure of predation and the dynamics of extension of the area of presence of the wolf”, specify the services of the prefecture. . “Circle 2 designates the areas of possible occurrence of wolf predation during the year, while circle 3 corresponds to the areas of possible occurrence of wolf predation in the medium term. No municipality in the department falls within the criteria for classification in circle 1 which concerns areas of proven predation”.
But what does this numbering imply? Quite simply the grazing areas corresponding to certain types of protection against predation by the wolf eligible for state aid: circle 2 allows support for guard dogs or material investments (such as electrified parks), a vulnerability analysis and technical support; Circle 3 provides support for guard dogs and technical support.
To apply for aid, it is necessary to respond to the national call for projects detailing the methods of implementing the aid and the commitments to be respected. This call for projects is open until July 31, 2023 at midnight. The Finistère prefecture specifies that for any questions, it is advisable to contact the water and biodiversity service of the DDTM at 02.98.76.59.41.