A bear is suspected of killing and dismembering a runner who was found dead in a woodland.
Before leaving on a run in Val di Sole, Trentino, Italy, Andrea Papi, 26, was last seen alive yesterday morning.
After his fiancée notified authorities when he didn’t come home, his horrifically mutilated body was discovered in a forested area mere hours later.
His severe injuries, which appeared to be the consequence of an animal assault, were discovered, according to the local media.
The young PT student is believed to have been attacked by one – or more- bears on the forest road overlooking the town.
Investigators suspect Andrea might have been mauled on the road and then dragged deeper into the forest where he was ‘disembowelled’.
An autopsy is being carried out to determine if Andrea was already dead when the animals found him.
The culprits are likely to be brown bears which live in forests and woodlands in the region.
The case has shocked the local community, with many residents claiming bear sightings have increased recently.
Just last month – locals claim – several farms were hit and one sheep ended up being mauled to death.
Local MP Maurizio Fugatti said: ‘This is a moment of pain, so I believe that what is right must be done in respect of the people concerned at this particular moment.
‘I was on site on Thursday morning and I was able, together with the local authorities, to see what had happened in person.
‘We then met the administrators of the municipality concerned and of the entire valley.
‘The prefect was alerted and together it was decided to set up a committee for public order and safety.’