A terrifying tragedy struck an Alabama family after their pet wolf attacked and killed their 3-month-old baby boy.
Late Thursday afternoon or early into the evening, authorities in Shelby County, Alabama, were called to a residence in Chelsea, a town just 20 miles (32km) southeast of Birmingham to investigate reports of an attack, the Shelby County Coroner’s Office confirmed to The Mirror US.
When they arrived, they discovered that a 3-month-old baby boy had been mauled by the family’s pet, which was described as a mixture between a wolf and some dog breeds. The exact genetic makeup of the animal is yet unknown, but it has been described as a “wolf mix.”
The baby was rushed to Grandview Medical Center in Jefferson County nearby, where he was tragically pronounced dead, having succumbed to his vicious injuries.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, and the coroner’s office told The Mirror US that details are being held as local law enforcement looks into the matter.
Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer, in a statement obtained by WVTM, said: “We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate and tragic event. We lift up the family and all those affected with our deepest prayers and thoughts.”
Wolves are prohibited from being kept as pets in the state by state law, as they’re considered a protected species, according to Al.com. Game animals like birds, deer and rabbits, rodents, raccoons, foxes, mountain lions, alligators and hogs are strictly protected.
However, it remains unclear if there is a loophole that allowed the family to legally own a wolf, as their pet was described as a mix between a wolf and another animal. The animal was euthanised after the call came in at 12:54pm.
The horrific incident comes just a week after a mother rushed to save her toddler after a stray pitbull mauled him outside their home. He only suffered a small bite before the mother stepped in and was able to save him, using some quick thinking.
The beast stayed outside and even broke the hinges on the door of their home in Austin, Texas. Ring doorbell camera footage captured the horrifying moment the attack occurred.
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This article by Jeremiah Hassel was first published by The Mirror on 1 December 2023. Lead Image: A family’s pet wolf killed a 3-month-old baby, the coroner has said (stock image) (Image: Getty Images).
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