Poisoning suspected in deaths of 18 wolves in Italian national park
Summary
Eighteen wolves have died recently in a national park in central Italy, and poisoning is suspected as the cause. Authorities are investigating the deaths and found pesticide traces linked to poisoned bait, raising concerns about animal safety and protection efforts.Key Facts
- 18 wolves died within a few days in Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park in Italy.
- Traces of suspected poisoned bait were found near some of the dead wolves.
- Tests confirmed pesticides used in agriculture were present in the wolves’ bodies.
- The park authority and prosecutors are investigating the case.
- Italy has around 3,300 wolves according to a recent census.
- The Environment Minister called the killings serious and stressed wolf protection is important for the ecosystem.
- The European Union recently lowered wolves’ protection status, allowing limited hunting in Italy from 2026.
- Wildlife groups worry poisoned bait could harm other protected animals, like the endangered Marsican brown bear.
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