Second attack by a wild animal in the Bari area: fear in Noicattaro

Second attack in less than two weeks in the Bari area with children victims by a wild animal which could be a wolf or, experts believe, a hybrid, i.e. a cross with a dog. The concern of a few days ago has become "a real emergency" says the mayor of Noicattaro Raimondo Innamorato, who signed an ordinance closing the municipal park at night and preventing access to green areas throughout the city near agricultural areas.

The provision, which up to now has not been fully respected, will expire tomorrow morning but it cannot be ruled out that it will be extended. The first attack dates back to August 4th. Two children were victims, one of whom was seriously injured and ended up in intensive care (she is now well) due to the animal's bites. A task force dedicated to the case was immediately set up and, on the eve of August 15th, the president of the Puglia Region, Antonio Decaro, also signed a decree authorizing the collection and capture of the specimen. Then, on the evening of August 15th, another 6-year-old child was attacked and hospitalized with deep wounds to his chest. According to the report made on social media, where a video of the alleged sighting of the animal was also released, a group of families were in a small park between via San Filippo Neri and via Rutigliano. Around 11pm the child was apparently bitten by the animal, then put to flight by the screams of the adults and the throwing of objects. Shortly after the attack, the mayor himself, based on reports from some citizens and without yet knowing that a child had been bitten, had reached the area of ​​the sports hall, finding himself a few meters from the animal.

This morning Innamorato urgently summoned the local police, veterinary health authority and volunteers and tomorrow morning a new task force meeting will be held in the Prefecture. Already today, however, activities have been intensified. A patrol of forestry carabinieri with a drone is monitoring the countryside surrounding Noicattaro and other camera traps have been positioned. Furthermore, at the pediatric hospital in Bari where the bitten children were admitted, a swab was taken which was then sent to the zooprophylactic institute for DNA testing. Meanwhile, on social media, the mayor renews his appeal not to go near parks and green areas. "It is not a limitation of freedom - he says -, it is common sense and protection of public safety in the presence of a serious and concrete risk".