In Italy, the body of wolves finds an anti-drug poison

2024/02/13 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Ingurumena
• Zoologia
• Ekologia

In recent years, wolves (Canis lupus) are growing across Europe and some are approaching cities. Researchers from northern and central Italy, studying the dead wolves, have shown that they contained anticoagulant compounds used to control the rodent population.

This is the first time it has been demonstrated. Specifically, 61% of the wolves analyzed by the researchers found at least one anticoagulant. They warn that rodent poison can be a danger to wolves and other carnivores, and that the same can happen elsewhere in Europe.

The study was published in the journal Science of The Total Environment. According to them, research has been useful to understand the problem, but broader research is needed to know its scope. Furthermore, although the anticoagulants found are accepted for rat control, their correct use is questioned.