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Italian authorities have launched an investigation after at least 18 wolves and several other wild animals were found dead in a national park.

Conservation groups are calling it one of the worst attacks on wildlife in the country's history.

The carcasses were wound across multiple locations within and around the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. The mountainous region in central Italy is renowned as a vital stronghold for the nation's recovering wolf population.

Park authorities suspect the animals were killed by poisoned bait, raising serious concerns for both public safety and biodiversity.

In a statement, the park expressed its "deep grief and disbelief," adding: "The scale of what is happening is devastating."

Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin condemned the killings as "horrendous" and has instructed Italy's forestry police to intensify inspections to identify those responsible.

He stated: "The ministry is particularly attentive and sensitive to the protection of a species that is so important for the balance of our ecosystem."

Italy's protected wolf population has seen a significant rebound in recent decades, having been pushed to the brink of extinction in the 20th century.

A 2020-21 census estimated approximately 3,300 wolves nationwide. However, this recovery has led to tensions in some rural areas, where farmers frequently report attacks on livestock.

Angelo Bonelli, a lawmaker with the opposition Greens and Left Alliance party, criticised the government, accusing it of failing to confront the hunting lobby, which is perceived as having close ties to right-wing parties within the ruling coalition. He called for "swift investigations, tighter controls and exemplary sanctions."

Environmental group Legambiente further reported that three foxes and a buzzard were also found dead in the same region, intensifying fears of widespread, illegal poisoning. The group described the incident as "an unprecedented attack on protected wildlife."

Prosecutors in the nearby city of Sulmona have initiated an investigation. Authorities are urging local communities to report any suspicious activity as tests continue to ascertain the precise cause of death for the animals.