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Italy Launches Probe After 18 Wolves Poisoned

4/23/2026

Summary

Italy Probes WolfKillings

Italian authorities opened a criminal investigation after 18 wolves were found dead in Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise Park.
Rangers who found poisoned bait near five wolves in Alfedena and five in Pescasseroli reported that prosecutor Luciano D’Angelo confirmed poison through tests.
WWF Italy called the killings a serious wildlife crime threatening biodiversity and safety, noting the EU’s 2023 downgrade of wolf protection while Italy hosts about 20,000 wolves.

Summary

Ranger Alerts

Ranger found five dead wolves in San Francesco on April 15, 2026, and posted the alert online.
The anti-poison dog unit detected bait residues and seized bait and carcasses.
Officials warned illegal “do-it-yourself” justice will not be tolerated and urged institutional and civil-society action.
Farmers use electric fences, guardian dogs and receive compensation for wolf damage.
Wolves, whose population rose to about 3,300 in 2022, threaten the Marsican brown bear.

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Italy Probes WolfKillings

Italian authorities opened a criminal investigation after 18 wolves were found dead in Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise Park.
Rangers who found poisoned bait near five wolves in Alfedena and five in Pescasseroli reported that prosecutor Luciano D’Angelo confirmed poison through tests.
WWF Italy called the killings a serious wildlife crime threatening biodiversity and safety, noting the EU’s 2023 downgrade of wolf protection while Italy hosts about 20,000 wolves.

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