Rules have been relaxed around shooting wolves that threaten livestock<\/p>\n
\n Wolves are an increasingly common sight across France. Photo for illustrative purposes only
\n Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH\/Shutterstock\n <\/p>\n
Residents in Fr\u00e9jus have raised concerns over several recent wolf sightings in the town\u2019s vicinity, including central areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sightings of individual wolves and even packs have been reported across the town, including by major roads and roundabouts.<\/p>\n
Despite the animals usually being crepuscular, sightings well past 10:00 have taken place even in urban areas.<\/p>\n
The video below shows various clips of wolves around the town.<\/p>\n
The town\u2019s encroachment into previously rural areas \u2013 well over 100,000 people live across the town\u2019s boundaries \u2013 as well as a lack of local available prey, are said to be two main reasons for the increase in sightings.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFifteen or even twenty years ago, we were already seeing wolves near villages and houses,\u201d said biodiversity network coordinator at France Nature Environnement Jean-David Abel to media outlet BFMTV.<\/p>\n
\u201cSimply put, today there are more wolves in more departments, so there is a greater chance that wolves will come and pass near houses.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Var houses many wolf packs, which are now present in around 60 departments, and is home to France\u2019s only confirmed \u2018black\u2019 wolfpack<\/a>.<\/p>\n Restrictions removed on shooting wolves<\/p>\n The increase in sightings come as farmers raise complaints about wolf numbers across France.<\/p>\n A new decree passed on Monday (February 16) allows for farmers to shoot wolves which attack their livestock.<\/p>\n \u201cThe farmer will have the right to a defensive shot,\u201d in the event of an attack, said Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard.\u00a0<\/p>\n