An investigation has been launched after the deaths of at least 18 wolves and several other wild animals found in recent days in an Italian national park.
The carcasses were discovered across several locations in and around the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, a mountainous area in the centre of the country long regarded as a stronghold for Italy's recovering wolf population.
The national park's authorities said the deaths most likely resulted from the wolves eating poisoned bait, raising concerns for public safety as well as biodiversity, as tests continue to determine the exact cause.
"The scale of what is happening is devastating," a spokesperson said, expressing the park's "deep grief and disbelief".
Environment minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin described the killings as "horrendous", adding that he had ordered Italy's forestry police to ramp up inspections to identify those responsible.
He said the species is important for the balance of the country's ecosystem.
The park is home to the Apennine wolves, as well as Marsican brown bears, which are endemic to central Italy.
Italy's protected wolf population has rebounded in recent decades after coming close to extinction in the 20th century.
A 2020-21 census suggested there were around 3,300 wolves across Italy.
But in some rural areas, farmers complain of attacks on livestock.
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Angelo Bonelli, a lawmaker with the opposition Greens and Left Alliance party, accused the government of failing to stand up to the hunting lobby, which is considered close to right-wing parties in the ruling coalition.
He said "swift investigations, tighter controls and exemplary sanctions" are needed.
Three foxes and a buzzard had also been found dead in the same region, reinforcing fears of widespread, illegal poisoning, environment group Legambiente said.
The group called it an "unprecedented attack" on protected wildlife.
Prosecutors in the nearby city of Sulmona have opened an investigation and authorities have urged local communities to report suspicious activity.
(c) Sky News 2026: Poisoning suspected after 18 wolves found dead in Italian national park
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