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 following intensified patrols in the Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park. The park authority has indicated that traces of suspected poisoned bait were found in an area where five of the wolves had been found dead, raising 'very strong suspicion' of further poisoning. Initial tests conducted by the local animal health research institute IZS corroborated these suspicions, revealing the presence of agricultural pesticides used in poisoned bait for animals. Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin condemned the killings, emphasizing their significance for ecosystem balance. The Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Ispra) has raised concerns that the poisoning undermines advances in animal protection and conservation while posing risks to other protected species and public safety. The wolf population in Italy stands at about 3,300, a figure that reflects significant recovery efforts. However, these tragic events threaten to reverse progress made in wolf protection amidst growing reports of livestock attacks, leading to calls for limited culling. Environmental activists have voiced strong opposition to the killings, labeling them an unprecedented assault on endangered wildlife.