Authorities in Italy are investigating the deaths of 18 wolves found in a national park, with poisoning suspected as the cause of the fatalities.

The discovery began last week when 10 wolf carcasses were initially found within the park boundaries. In the following days, an additional eight dead wolves were located in the same area.

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of death, but preliminary investigations point to possible poisoning. The wolves were found in what appears to be a concentrated incident affecting multiple animals in a short timeframe.

The deaths represent a significant loss for the local wolf population within the protected national park area. Italian authorities have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.

No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and investigators have not released details about potential suspects or motives. The investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine how the wolves died and whether criminal activity was involved.