Golden jackal spotted in south-west France for the first time

A golden jackal has been officially noted in a south-west department of France for the first time, pointing to the spread of the species throughout the country. 

France’s national office for biodiversity (Office français de la biodiversité, OFB) confirmed a sighting of the animal in the Hérault department on Thursday April 3. 

“After analysis and verification, notably by specialists from the ‘Loup Lynx’ network, the identification has been confirmed,” the office said. 

The animal was photographed by hunters who had set up a hidden camera, however it was not confirmed where in the department it was seen. 

First spotted in 2017 in France

This is the first time that a golden jackal (chacal doré) has officially been seen in the Occitanie region, however one was first sighted in France in 2017, in the Haute-Savoie department. 

Since then, it has gradually spread across the country, with one seen in the north-east of France in 2024 and the body of what was thought to be a locally born female was found near Marseille (Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur) in 2023.

The species – that looks like a mix between a wolf and a fox – originates in Eurasia, but has slowly been making its way west across Europe in recent years. 

“The golden jackal is mainly active at dawn and dusk. During the day it uses habitats with dense vegetation to rest, and moves little,” the OFB adds. 

The animals are not classed as a protected species in France (although efforts have been made to grant it such status) nevertheless it is illegal to trap or hunt the animal. 

In the unlikely event that you see a golden jackal – there have only been a handful of confirmed viewings in France since 2017 – you should call the OFB. 

Failing that, make contact with your local hunting federation – they will have a better chance at confirming a sighting of the animal and understanding any relevant regulations. 

Read more: Wolf presence confirmed in Normandy: What to do if you see one