Characteristics of Gray Wolf Attacks on Humans in an Altered Landscape in the West of Iran

Abstract

Wildlife attacks on humans are an example of serious human–wildlife conflict. Such attacks are rarely studied in Asia and particularly not in Iran. A total of 53 wolf (Canis lupus) attacks were recorded on humans in the Hamedan province, a human-dominated landscape in west Iran, between April 2001 and April 2012. Most attacks were classified as predatory (68%) and pet-related (19%) in nature. The majority of victims were children (12 years old or younger; 62%). Most incidents (70%) took place during the wolf’s pup-rearing season. The most frequent human activities at time of attack were recreation based (57%). The locations of attacks occurred frequently in the farmlands (43%) and outskirts of villages (41%). We recommend that future wolf attacks could be reduced or prevented through modification of human behavior and public education designed to prevent the habituation of wolves.

Keywords:

• Canis lupus
• Hamedan province
• human-dominated landscape
• human–wolf attack
• Iran

Additional information

Funding

This study was in collaboration with Hamedan Provincial Bureau of Department of Environment (43106/140).