In the Italian Alps, the carcasses of four wolves believed to have been poisoned were discovered by passers-by near a cycle path at the weekend, the provincial government of Trentino said on Monday. 

The remains of the wolves are to be examined by veterinarians to determine the cause of death. 

It was also reported that a wolf that died in September in the neighbouring province of South Tyrol was probably poisoned. Final confirmation is still awaited and an investigation has been launched. 

The wolves are believed to have been poisoned by residents opposed to their breeding in the region. In northern Italy, wolves and bears in forests are a growing concern. Opponents argue that they pose a danger to people and domestic animals in a region whose economy is heavily dependent on tourism. 

Vieta councillor Roberto Failoni called the beasts' deaths "illegal poaching" and said the use of poison posed a serious danger to other animals, including dogs.