Tragedy in Italy: A Wolf Snatches Family Dog Pepe from Garden

A Devastating Night

On the evening of April 23 in Val di Sole, Trentino, a wolf entered the garden of Andrea Guerrato's home and carried off his family dog, Pepe. Despite Andrea's desperate attempts to intervene, the wolf vanished into the forest with the dog.

Later, only Pepe’s bloodstained collar was recovered by forest rangers, confirming the grim outcome.

"I’ll Never Forget Your Cries"

In a touching post on social media, Guerrato described the ordeal. “At just 20 meters from the house, in the garden, a wolf calmly attacked Pepe and carried him away,” he wrote. “I ran toward it, screaming, but the wolf disappeared into the woods with my dog, despite his heartbreaking cries.”

The family has been left traumatized, especially knowing that just hours earlier, five children had been playing in the same garden.

Wolves and Dogs: Prey, Not Companions

Experts emphasize that wolves view domestic dogs as prey, not as companions. While humans have domesticated dogs over millennia, wolves remain wild and opportunistic hunters. A loose or unprotected dog in an area inhabited by wolves can easily become a target.

Unlike dogs, humans are not considered prey by wolves. Wolves typically avoid humans and attack only when startled or cornered, particularly if protecting young.

No Threat to Humans, But Dogs Must Be Protected

Despite the emotional shock, experts stress that the event does not indicate a broader threat to human safety. Wolves entering gardens and taking dogs is a sign of poor animal management, not aggressive behavior toward humans.

Wolf conservation expert Marco Antonelli advises that owners should securely protect their pets at night, especially in areas known to be frequented by wolves. Leaving dogs tethered outside without proper shelter or protection increases the risk of predation.

A Call for Better Awareness and Animal Management

The tragic loss of Pepe mirrors a similar event in 2024 in Salento, where wolves took a family dog from a private garden. These incidents highlight the need for greater public education on living alongside wildlife.

Proper containment, especially overnight, is critical. Secure enclosures can greatly reduce the risk of wolves preying on domestic animals.