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 discovered when patrols were stepped up in recent days in the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park.
The park authority stated that traces of suspected poisoned bait had been found in an area where five wolves were initially reported dead, and the additional deaths elsewhere raised 'very strong suspicion' of further poisoning. They are working to determine the exact cause of death and are collaborating with local public prosecutors.
Recent tests conducted by the local animal health research institute, IZS, corroborated the park's initial suspicions. Thirteen of the deceased wolves were sent to the institute in Teramo, where experts detected 'pesticides for agriculture used in poisoned bait for animals.'
Expressing concern at the national level, Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin condemned the killings as 'horrendous and serious,' emphasizing the crucial role of wolves in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Italy’s Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Ispra) noted that the killings by poisoning threaten significant advances in animal conservation and pose risks to other protected species and the safety of pets.
Wolves have seen a population increase in Europe, with the EU reporting a 35% rise from 2016 to 2023, particularly in Central Europe and the Alpine regions. Italy alone had a wolf population estimated at around 3,300 according to a 2020-21 census conducted by Ispra. However, attacks on livestock have led to changes in their protected status, allowing limited culls in Italy starting in 2026.
Environmental group Legambiente described the deaths as an 'unprecedented attack on protected wildlife,' highlighting fears that similar actions could extend to other endangered species, such as the critically endangered Marsican brown bear.
The park authority stated that traces of suspected poisoned bait had been found in an area where five wolves were initially reported dead, and the additional deaths elsewhere raised 'very strong suspicion' of further poisoning. They are working to determine the exact cause of death and are collaborating with local public prosecutors.
Recent tests conducted by the local animal health research institute, IZS, corroborated the park's initial suspicions. Thirteen of the deceased wolves were sent to the institute in Teramo, where experts detected 'pesticides for agriculture used in poisoned bait for animals.'
Expressing concern at the national level, Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin condemned the killings as 'horrendous and serious,' emphasizing the crucial role of wolves in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Italy’s Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Ispra) noted that the killings by poisoning threaten significant advances in animal conservation and pose risks to other protected species and the safety of pets.
Wolves have seen a population increase in Europe, with the EU reporting a 35% rise from 2016 to 2023, particularly in Central Europe and the Alpine regions. Italy alone had a wolf population estimated at around 3,300 according to a 2020-21 census conducted by Ispra. However, attacks on livestock have led to changes in their protected status, allowing limited culls in Italy starting in 2026.
Environmental group Legambiente described the deaths as an 'unprecedented attack on protected wildlife,' highlighting fears that similar actions could extend to other endangered species, such as the critically endangered Marsican brown bear.
