Poisoning is suspected in the deaths of 18 wolves within a few days in a national park that straddles three regions of central Italy. After the carcasses of 10 wolves were found last week, another eight were found when patrols were stepped up in recent days in the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. The park authority said last week that traces of suspected poisoned bait had been found in an area where five of the wolves had been found dead, and the latest deaths elsewhere raised 'very strong suspicion' of further poisoning. The authority said it was working to determine the cause of death and collaborating with local public prosecutors. The park's initial suspicions appear to have been corroborated in tests carried out by the local animal health research institute, confirming the presence of pesticides for agriculture used in poisoned bait for animals. Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin condemned the killings as 'horrendous and serious', asserting that the protection of wolves is crucial to the balance of Italy's ecosystem. An alarming trend emerges as the potential impact of poisoned bait poses risks to protected wild species and domestic pets. Wolves in Italy have a population estimated to be around 3,300, according to Ispra's 2020-2021 census.