The incident occurred around 11:35 on 4/4 at ZooAmerica, located next to Hersheypark.

Derry Township Police in Pennsylvania reported that the 17-month-old child slipped through an opening in a wooden fence, crawled into a restricted area near the wolf enclosure, and reached a hand through the metal barrier. A wolf then bit the child's hand, causing minor injuries.

Bystanders intervened, pulling the child to safety. Meanwhile, the parents were reportedly sitting on a bench 7-9 meters away, engrossed in their phones. The couple remained unaware of their child's danger until they heard commotion from the wolf enclosure.

Police identified the child's parents as Carrie B. Sortor, 43, and Stephen JB Wilson, 61. Both are facing charges of endangering the welfare of a child and will receive a summons for a preliminary hearing at the local magistrate's office.

Entrance to ZooAmerica in Pennsylvania. *Photo: ZooAmerica/Instagram*

According to a ZooAmerica spokesperson, when the child reached a hand through the metal fence, a curious wolf "momentarily" bit it. This behavior is consistent with a wolf's natural instinct to explore and test unfamiliar objects in its environment.

A ZooAmerica representative stated, "This reaction is consistent with natural animal behavior, not a sign of aggression."

The zoo also affirmed that animal habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection, along with clear signage and barriers to ensure visitor safety. Guests are required to remain in designated areas and closely supervise children at all times.

ZooAmerica is a wildlife park home to 200 species native to the North American continent, according to its website. The over 4-hectare zoo currently houses three wolves.

By Tue Anh (via Pennlive, Nypost)