Shocked Italian firefighters did a double take when they went to rescue an exhausted dog and discovered it was a fully grown wolf.
Well-wishers had called emergency services in Verona to report a growling dog collapsed beside a canal.
But when they got there, the firefighters discovered that the dog was actually a wild wolf.
Footage from the rescue – on 25th January – shows the wolf exhausted and cold and unable to get up the bank by itself.
Using a safety loop, the firefighters manage to lift up the wolf, which shows off a mouthful of dangerous-looking teeth.
Finally, they manage to manhandle the beast into a transporter box and make sure it was healthy and cared for before releasing it back into the wild.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Michael Leidig, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
The Ananova page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.