- The Washington Times - Friday, December 1, 2023

A baby in Chelsea, Alabama, died Thursday after being attacked by a wolf hybrid kept as a pet by the family.

The attack happened just before 1 p.m. local time, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post. The baby, unnamed by law enforcement, was taken to a hospital, where the infant was pronounced dead.

A veterinarian at the scene euthanized the wolf hybrid. The sheriff’s office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the animal’s attack.

“It’s been confirmed that one of our children here in Chelsea was killed by an exotic family pet and succumbed to their injuries yesterday afternoon. … 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,” Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer said in a statement on Facebook. Law enforcement did not indicate any criminal charges had been filed against the family of the dead baby.

Wolf hybrids are the offspring of wolves and other compatible canine species, such as dogs or coyotes.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.

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