Eighteen wolves found dead in Italian national park in suspected poisoning

Criminal investigation under way after carcasses found across Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise national park within a week The carcasses of 18 wolves have been found in an Italian national park within the space of a week in an apparent series of poisonings described by conservationists as the most serious crimes against wildlife in Italy in a decade. Authorities of the national park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise said eight wolves were found dead in recent days in three different areas of the vast park, adding to the 10 carcasses discovered last week. Three dead foxes and a buzzard were also found. “The disappointment blends with despair … It’s a pain that ranges from profound suffering to disbelief,” the national park’s authorities said in a statement. “We hope that we don’t have to deal with further bad news. We repeat once again that whatever the motivation, illegality and crime cannot be justified in any way.” A criminal investigation began last week after suspected poisoned bait was found by park rangers in the vicinity of five dead wolves in the Alfedena area, leading to suspicions that five other wolves found in Pescasseroli died in the same way. Tests are being done to determine how