Wildlife wardens in canton Valais have made a mistake after they shot a wolf, they believed was a hybrid with a domestic dog.
While wolves are protected, the law calls for hybrids to be killed if possible as they threaten the genetic integrity of the species.
The dead animal, which had unusually dark fur, was examined in Bern and found to be pure wolf.
The wolf came from the Italian/French border area. Cantonal officials say it shows there can be a greater variety in fur colour than previously thought.
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