Century-Old Mystery Unfolds: Gray Wolf Reappears in Northern France, Sparking Wild Speculation
Experts with the agency said the animal captured in the footage was likely a gray wolf or Canis lupus lupus, a breed of wild canine that was run out of the region by livestock farmers in the 19th century.
However, OFB officials emphasized that more evidence was needed for complete authentication of the sighting, especially given the low quality of the footage.
Morris MacMatzen/Getty ImagesAfter it was wiped out in the 19th century, the European gray wolf appears to be making a steady comeback across Europe.
“Given the quality of the images provided and considering that many breeds of dogs can have a size and coat colors similar to that of a wolf, this expertise should be considered with some reservation,” the OFB said in a statement.
The agency shared that the wolf photo was analyzed by “several people experienced in the identification of the wolf” and, though these experts think it is a high probability that the sighting is in fact of the long-lost species, authorities cannot be 100 percent certain.
“Only DNA analysis on biological material would remove doubts,” the agency told Newsweek.
Still, the news is cause for celebration. These European wolves once had an abundant population across Europe, particularly in the northern region of France. Unfortunately, the animal’s high population numbers at the time meant that encounters between the wolves and humans were frequent.
The wolves were considered a threat to the economy as packs often attacked sheep, cows, and poultry of local farms.
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