Since the 1980s, a wild Asian carnivore known as the dhole has been spotted in the forests of northeastern France. Unlike the raccoon, which is often seen in urban areas, the dhole is a less familiar species. Native to Asia, the dhole is a type of wild dog, known for its social behavior and hunting skills. It was accidentally introduced to Europe in the 1930s through releases in the Soviet Union and has been observed in France since 1975, across 35 different departments. Its presence in France is believed to be due to either natural migration from Germany or escapes from captivity, such as zoos, circuses, or private collections. The dhole has been classified as a nuisance throughout French territory since 2012, due to the health risks it poses. These include the potential transmission of rabies and echinococcus, a parasitic disease that can affect humans and animals. Observations of the dhole have increased over time, with some regions, such as Alsace, Lorraine, and Franche-Comté, showing more frequent sightings. Natural reproduction of the dhole has been confirmed in Haute-Saône as early as 1988, but no stable, long-term wild population has been officially identified in France. Experts have proposed two main explanations for the dhole’s scattered presence. One suggests that the species is gradually spreading from Germany, where it has been actively expanding westward. The other points to escapes from captivity, which may have contributed to its presence in certain areas. These two scenarios may overlap, depending on the region. While the dhole is not officially recognized as a feral species in France, its increasing sightings suggest that it is becoming more established in certain parts of the country. Recent reports indicate that the dhole is slowly spreading beyond its initial areas, with sightings now recorded as far south as the Loire region. This expansion is also observed in neighboring Switzerland, where the species has been spotted since 1997. This pattern supports the idea of natural colonization from Germany rather than just isolated escapes. However, the exact number of dholes currently roaming French forests remains unknown. While there is no officially recognized wild population, the growing number of sightings indicates that the dhole is quietly reshaping local ecosystems, often unnoticed by the public and even some scientists.