Eighteen dead wolves were found in a national park in Italy, along with several other animals. There are suspicions that this is poisoning, which could also endanger the brown bear in the area.
Source: AD
The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park reports that eight dead wolves were found in the area in the past week. Ten carcasses were also found last week. “The situation is so dramatic that it is even difficult to talk about it,” the park said in a written statement.
The wolves have been found scattered throughout the park, which is located in the central Apennines south of Rome. It is striking that there is a ‘hotspot’ where several wolves have been found lifeless in the same place. Other dead animals were also found here: three foxes and a buzzard.
The park suspects it is poisoning, but reports that no poisoned bait has yet been found. The organization is still determining the causes of death and conducting further investigation.
“Disappointment and despair”
“Disappointment mixes with despair, in a pain that ranges from deep suffering to disbelief. During these days of fieldwork, and beyond, we remain hopeful that we will not have to deal with additional bad news and that we will not have to update this dramatic report,” the park said in a statement.
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Italy also responded with a statement: “These are despicable acts, a return to the darkest years when wild animals were seen only as a threat to be eradicated.”
The investigation is still in progress. The park emphasizes that whatever the motivation, illegality and crime cannot be justified in any way. There is cooperation with the Public Prosecution Service of Sulmona.
Brown bear in danger
The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is one of the most famous national parks in Italy. It is the oldest national park in the country and very extensive. Hawks, lynx and deer live here. It is also home to one of the rarest species in the world, the Marsican brown bear, which can weigh more than 200 kilos.
According to WWF Italy, the poisonings could also threaten the brown bear. The population had already shrunk to just a few dozen individuals.
