It's the third time they've recorded a wild animal attack on a child.

A third child has been attacked by a wild animal in Noicattaru, a town near Bari in southern Italy, according to reports from local media. The incident occurred late Tuesday evening, with a six-year-old boy suffering multiple injuries to his chest. He was hospitalized at the Giovanni XXIII Pediatric Surgery Department for treatment, where doctors have stitched his wounds and are currently monitoring his condition. This marks the third such attack on children in the area within a short period. On August 4th, two other young boys were injured by a wild animal, leading authorities to take action. A special task force was established following meetings at the prefecture in Bari, in coordination with the Apulia region. This group is tasked with identifying the animal responsible for the attacks. Officials have not ruled out the possibility that the creature could be a wolf. Eyewitness accounts shared on social media suggest that a group of families had gathered in the municipal park when the attack took place. Around 11 p.m., the animal reportedly bit the child before being driven away by adults shouting. Video footage, which has circulated online, appears to show the moment the incident unfolded. The footage has sparked concern among residents and prompted further discussions about safety measures in public spaces. In response to the escalating situation, Mayor Raimondo Innamorato of Noicattaru signed an ordinance extending nighttime closure of the city’s parks from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. Additionally, he issued a ban on access to all public green areas located near agricultural land throughout the municipality. These measures aim to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of both children and adults in the community. The local government has also announced plans to increase patrols in the affected areas and to collaborate with wildlife experts to better understand the behavior of the suspected predator. Authorities are working closely with regional officials to determine whether additional steps should be taken to control the population of potentially dangerous animals in the vicinity. Meanwhile, parents and community members remain anxious about the safety of their children. Some have expressed frustration over the lack of immediate solutions, while others support the new restrictions as necessary precautions. Local officials have assured the public that they are taking the issue seriously and will continue to monitor developments closely. The situation continues to evolve as investigations into the identity of the animal intensify. With the third attack raising alarm bells, the focus remains on identifying the creature and implementing long-term strategies to protect the community from future threats. For now, the emphasis is on ensuring that children can move freely in public spaces without fear of encountering wild animals.