Alabama baby killed by familys pet wolf: officials

May 2024 · 2 minute read

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A 3-month-old baby boy was killed in his Alabama home by his family’s “pet wolf,” according to authorities who have launched a criminal probe.

The unidentified toddler died in the wild incident at a home in Chelsea just before 1 p.m. Thursday, Shelby County coroner Lina Evans confirmed to The Post.

“It appears that the wolf or wolf-dog – they kept it as a, quote, ‘pet’ – picked up the child that was down on the floor and started playing with it, and unfortunately killed the baby,” Evans said.

“The parents did try to get the baby from the wolf, but it was too late,” she added.

The baby was pronounced dead at Grandview Medical Center, AL.com reported.

The family’s identity and other details are limited due to the ongoing investigation, Evans told The Post.

“It’s unthinkable,’’ Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer told AL.com. “How do you ever get over that?”

Family members told investigators that they do know the exact lineage of the animal, just that there is wolf in it, the local outlet said. 

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that it is pursuing a criminal probe, confirming that the fatal injuries are “suspected to have been caused by the animal.”

“The animal is described as a wolf-hybrid and was reportedly kept as a pet by the family of the infant,” the department said in a statement.

“The animal was euthanized at the scene by an area vet, at the request of law enforcement,” the statement said, stressing there is “no threat to the public.”

The animal’s remains are now being examined at the Alabama State Diagnostics Laboratory.

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