Wolf spotted near China's Great Wall

Police have dismissed rumours that the wolf escaped from a nearby zoo, the report said.

It is rare for a wolf to appear in the area, which is only 50 kilometres (30 miles) northwest of Beijing.

"The last time I saw a wild wolf in this area was when I was in my teens," said a 74-year-old local resident surnamed Hu, according to the report.

Police and wild animal protection agencies are preparing to capture the wolf to prevent any attacks on local residents or tourists, it added.