Tragedy struck a family in Chelsea, Alabama, on Thursday when their three-month-old baby was attacked and killed by their pet "wolf-hybrid." The Shelby County Sheriff's Office received a distressing call just before 1 p.m. regarding an animal attack on an infant at a residence off County Road 440. Responding swiftly to the scene were Shelby County deputies, Chelsea firefighters, and Shelby County Animal Control Officers. The baby, who was gravely injured, was swiftly transported to an area hospital with a law enforcement escort. However, upon arrival, the devastating news was delivered that the infant had succumbed to their injuries and was pronounced dead.

In light of this tragic incident, the International Wolf Center has issued a stern warning about the dangers associated with owning pet wolf-hybrids. These hybrids are the result of mating between a wolf and a domestic dog, and their genetic makeup makes their behavior inconsistent and unpredictable, posing significant safety risks to humans. The Center strongly advises against bringing such hybrids into family homes.

The animal responsible for the attack was euthanized at the scene, following the request of law enforcement. Its body was then transferred to the Alabama State Diagnostics Laboratory in Auburn for further examination and investigation. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office has initiated an investigation into the circumstances that led to the infant's untimely demise.

Shelby County Coroner Lina Evans revealed that both the family and investigators were aware of the pet's lineage and confirmed the presence of wolf ancestry. This tragic incident serves as a chilling reminder of the risks associated with owning exotic pets.

The news of the baby's death sent shockwaves through the community, and Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer expressed his heartfelt condolences to the grieving family. He described the incident as unthinkable, emphasizing the profound impact that such a heartbreaking loss will have on the family and their community. Picklesimer conveyed his thoughts and prayers to all those affected by this tragic event.

Chelsea, located just a 30-minute drive southeast of Birmingham, finds itself grappling with the aftermath of this devastating incident. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, is diligently investigating the case. The Department of Human Resources is devoted to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

This horrifying incident in Alabama brings to mind a similar attack that occurred in Virginia back in 2018. In that incident, an eight-day-old baby was mauled by a wolf-dog hybrid while lying in a bassinet, resulting in the child's death. The animal responsible for the attack was also euthanized.

As the investigation unfolds, the community of Chelsea remains in mourning, grappling with the unthinkable loss of a precious life.