“The attack happened late Sunday when my uncle was herding the animals, and some sheep were left behind. He didn’t notice, and the wolf or wolves took the sheep and lambs,” explained Mário Torrado.
According to Torrado, “shepherds in Planalto Mirandês are upset because they claim they are working to feed the wolves.”
“There’s a feeling of revolt here because people work to earn some income and then lose their assets, feeling they’re working for the wolves, which generates fear and anger,” justified Mário Torrado.
The technicians from the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) are handling the case, Torrado noted.
This is the fifth wolf attack reported in the municipality of Miranda do Douro in about a month and a half, Torrado added.
On September 19, ICNF reported that since 2024, 32 wolf attacks have been recorded in the region of Planalto Mirandês, near the Bragança district border, a number that has now increased.
In the municipality of Miranda do Douro alone, four wolf attacks were recorded in a month in the localities of Malhadas, Fonte Ladrão, Genísio, Águas Vivas, and now Palancar, resulting in the deaths of several dozens of animals and severe injuries to others.
Similar reports of wolf attacks have been made in the municipalities of Mogadouro and Vimioso since 2024 and in 2025.
The close proximity of wolf attacks to villages is also alarming sheep and goat producers in this transmontane region.
A group of shepherds from Planalto Mirandês expresses concerns over what they describe as a “calamity” of wolf attacks occurring since the beginning of the year and are calling for government intervention to address this problem causing “significant damages.”
Shepherds from the municipalities of Miranda do Douro, Vimioso, and Mogadouro indicated that action must be taken, as there are “significant damages” to livestock farms, impacting the region’s economy. They are seeking help from the ministries of Agriculture and Environment.
António Padrão stated that the shepherds are “terrified and demotivated” due to the wolf attacks, and government intervention is necessary to resolve “this calamity.”
The shepherds have threatened to take further measures if no actions are taken.
According to ICNF, the Iberian wolf is classified as an endangered species in Portugal, granting it Protected Species Status.
In July, the Alcateia 2025-2035 Program was unveiled, aiming to protect the Iberian wolf. It has a budget of 3.3 million euros for this year and includes revising compensation for livestock attacks by wolves to align with market values.
