Join us for a unique experience dedicated to learning about one of the most fascinating and controversial predators in our ecosystem: the wolf.
This intensive, content-rich two-day training course is designed for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the biology, ethology, and dynamics of coexistence with this extraordinary species. We will explore the biology and ethology of the wolf (Canis lupus) to understand its lifestyle: its social structure and pack communication, hunting strategies, adaptations, and its ecological role in natural systems. We will then move on to field monitoring, with a practical and respectful approach: non-invasive techniques and recognition of key signs of presence (tracks, scat, territorial markings), learning to interpret them appropriately. A focus will be on environmental interpretation, that is, interpreting the landscape and habitats to understand where and why certain species move and how they interact with each other. Conflicts and coexistence, particularly with livestock farming and human activities, will also be explored, addressing prevention, best practices, and effective communication to reduce tensions and misunderstandings. After learning about the real wolf, we'll delve into how the perception of this animal has evolved over the millennia and how the image of a second, imaginary wolf has emerged, so radically and deeply rooted. This image of the wolf has solidified over the centuries through oral tradition, legends, mythology, religion, and propaganda, effectively transforming this animal into the emblem of all human virtues and wickedness. We'll explore this dualism through images drawn from art history, legends, and tales, restoring this species to its animal dignity, stripping it of anthropomorphism. With the support of authors and scholars such as Boitani and Pastoureau, we'll trace, through a historical journey, the origins of this dual identity of the wolf. We'll conclude with a reflection on ethics and responsibility: how to observe and describe wildlife without disturbing it, and what role we can play—as citizens and as educators—in protecting biodiversity and landscapes.
SUGGESTED STRUCTURES:
Vincenzo Stoto Refuge (course location)
“House of Fairy Tales” Diffused Hotel
Bed and Breakfast “La Genzianella”
B&B “House of Bees”
EVENT DATE
17 and 18 October 2026
Vincenzo Stoto Refuge – GAEP APS
Loc. Rifugio GAEP 29024, Selva PC
RECIPIENTS
Open to all, with no specific prerequisites. The course includes mountain hikes on trails that require no particular technical ability, but walking experience is recommended. The routes pass through wooded areas and open spaces. The planned hikes range in length from 6-8 km with elevation gains of 300-400 m.
€ 150,00
€120,00 Members of I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf – AIGAE – GAEP with their 2026 annual membership fee
PARTICIPANTS:
min. 10 – max 18
REGISTRATION CLOSES BY
15 days from the start date
AIGAE TRAINING CREDITS
YES – Recognized training credits: 5
INFORMATION
campi@iononhopauradellupo.it
SATURDAY 17 October 2026
08 hours: 30
Introduction to the course
Lesson: Biology and ethology of the species
11 hours: 00
Coffee break
12.30
Excursion (packed lunch provided by yourself) accompanied by the book by Adam Weymouth “The Lone Wolf”
Environmental interpretation
Approach to natural environments
Recognition of traces and signs of presence
Monitoring techniques
Behavioral norms, ethics and respect for wildlife and the environment
We will combine direct field observation with excerpts from the text that tells the story of Slavsc's life to try to observe what surrounds us from a different perspective, the one that the author imagined for the wolf whose dispersion journey he retraced.
18 hours: 30
End of day and (optional) convivial dinner at Osteria Montenero
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Sunrise wildlife observations (optional)
09 hours: 00
Know the wolf
Distribution in Italy
Legislation
Hybridization, urban wolves and confidants
11 hours: 00
Coffee break
11 hours: 30
Communicating the Wolf: Between Myth, Reality and Educational Challenges
The wolf in history, art, and literature: how human narratives have influenced our perception of this animal, and what influences traditions, religions, and propaganda have had on our understanding of the wolf.
From the Capitoline she-wolf to neorealist cinema, from animist cultures to contemporary art, an analysis of the controversial definition of the characteristics of the imaginary wolf in different historical periods and up to the totalitarianism of the twentieth century.
Question and answer session.
13 hours: 00
Lunch break (provide your own)
14 hours: 30
excursion
Recognition of signs of presence and environmental interpretation
Approach to natural environments
Conservation and protection of ecological corridors
18 hours: 00
Course closure
COURSE TRAINERS
Daniel Ecotti
Founding partner
President of Environmental Hiking Guide – Environmental Educator
AIGAE ER940
Lucia Longinotti
Environmental Hiking Guide – Certified Guide I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf
AIGAE ER1041
It's recommended to bring a backpack, a water bottle (at least 1 liter), layered clothing appropriate for the season, hiking boots with treaded soles, and a waterproof or rain jacket. Also helpful, though not essential, are binoculars and a camera, a blanket to sit on, and a notebook. It's best to wear dark, unobtrusive clothing to reduce visibility.
Registered participants will receive further information and details about clothing and logistics by email.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The event will take place once the minimum number of participants is reached. It will continue even in the event of rain, except in exceptional weather conditions, in which case we reserve the right to cancel. A full refund will be given if cancellation is made within 60 days of the event start date or if the cancellation is due to reasons attributable to the organizers. Alternatively, the fee is non-refundable but can be used to pay for other I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf events.
Minors must be accompanied by at least one adult.
The program may be subject to changes decided by the organizers due to contingencies and weather conditions.