Three-month-old baby killed by family's 'exotic' pet wolf as police launch investigation

A baby was killed by a family's pet wolf on Thursday in Alabama, police said.

wolf

A generic wolf similar to the one owned by the family (Image: Getty)

A three-month-old baby was killed by the family's pet wolf on Thursday in Alabama, according to authorities.

The incident occurred in the small city of Chelsea on Highway 440 around 1pm on Thursday, according to a spokesperson for the city of Chelsea.

First responders responded to the scene and took the baby boy to a nearby hospital, but the baby died a short time later.

The pet wolf, described as a wolf hybrid, was euthanized at the scene and taken to the Alabama State Diagnostics Laboratory in Auburn for further examination, according to a press release.

Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer said in a statement: "It’s been confirmed that one of our children here in Chelsea was killed by an exotic family pet and succumb to its injuries yesterday afternoon after being taken to the hospital by Chelsea Fire & Rescue."

READ MORE: Wolf hybrid 'with yellow eyes' on the loose in California

police

Shelby County police responded to the incident around 1pm on Thursday (Image: Getty)

Picklesimer continued: "We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate and tragic event and lift up the family and all those affected with our deepest prayers and thoughts.”

Police and the Department of Human Resources (DHR) are currently investigating the situation.

A Chelsea spokesperson also said other children were in the home at the time of the incident.

shelby county

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office and Jail (Image: Facebook/Shelby County Sheriff's Office)

Police said there is no threat to the public.

Further details are not available at this time.

Daily Express US has contacted the Shelby County Sheriff's Office for comment.

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