Genetic evidence has confirmed what many have long suspected. The Wolf is back in France’s Massif Central region. Two walkers photographed a large canine at Lavigerie near to Saint-Flour on the 20th January and analysis of traces left by the animal has revealed it is part of the Italian Mercantour branch.
http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2008/03/17/01011-20080317FILWWW00608-un-loup-dans-le-cantal.php
It is estimated that there are 50 to 100 wolves in the French alps but this is the first wolf in the Cantal since one was killed by a car in 1997 and confirms that this large, but shy, predator is making a comeback.