Portela da Fairra Ancient Wolf Trap

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The Portela da Fairra wolf trap consists of an enclosure surrounded by a stone wall, inside which was left a live animal (a goat) to attract the wolf. In this case, the loose stone wall was built around a rock, in a place of high visibility (the Portela Fairra).

Given the low exterior height of the wall in some places, the wolf had no difficulty entering the enclosure. However, escape became nearly impossible given the height of the internal face of the wall and the large slabs placed on top of the wall.

This pitfall, one of the largest of this kind in the Iberian Peninsula, is believed to have been built in the eighteenth century and regularly used until the 30s of the twentieth century. It was used by the population of the village of Parada but also Outeiro and Sirvozelo. It can be visited along the Fairra da Portela route, which begins in the village of Parada (Outeiro parish).