“How good it is to fall asleep at the refuge in the evening”. While traveling in the Hautes-Pyrénées, Emmanuel Macron gave voice to sing “Le Refuge” by Edmond Duplan, a traditional Pyrenean song.
The president went to Argelès-Gazost on the sidelines of a stage of the Tour de France to meet sheep breeders. Since May 8, the date of the first attack, at least 50 sheep have been killed by wolves in the Pyrenees.
To respond to their concerns, he assured that a “wolf intervention brigade” would be created by the summer of 2023 for the Pyrenees and the south of the Massif Central, where the number of gray wolves is increasing. Until now, there is only one brigade of this kind based in Gap and intervening mainly in the Alps, the region where this natural and protected predator is most present. This brigade was recently temporarily deployed in the Hautacam sector, on the heights of the Hautes-Pyrénées.
Emmanuel Macron also promised the breeders of the Hautes-Pyrénées that the State would support them in taking measures to protect the herds (nets, presence of shepherds and patou dogs at night, etc.). Technical support, in particular with the supply of thermal binoculars, will be brought to the lieutenants of louveterie, the team of volunteers placed under the authority of the prefect.