3 rare bears poisoned in Italian park

ROME, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Italian environmental officials believe that farmers or developers were behind the poisoning of three endangered Marsican bears.

The carcasses of Bernardo, possibly the best-known bear in the Abruzzo National Park in Tuscany, and his mate were found Monday, the Italian news agency ANSA, said. Another dead bear was discovered Tuesday.

In recent days, two wolves and 10 vultures, all members of rare species in Italy‘s largest park, have been poisoned, environmental groups said.

"This is unworthy of a civilized country," said World Wildlife Fund Italia chief Fulco Pratesi. "Allowing a bear or a wolf to be killed is the same as letting artworks to be vandalized -- like that madman who took a hammer to Michelangelo's Pieta."

About 50 Marsican bears live in the park. Officials hope to get the population up to 100.

Environment Minister Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio said that those responsible for killing the animals will be prosecuted if they are caught. He suggested that farmers angry about raids on crops and poultry or developers hoping to open up land for building are responsible.