A 17-month-old child was injured Saturday after entering a restricted area at ZooAmerica, located inside Hersheypark in Pennsylvania, and placing their hand through a fence surrounding a wolf habitat, according to officials and local police, as reported by The New York Post.

ZooAmerica representatives said the toddler managed to crawl under a perimeter fence and approach a secondary metal barrier that encloses the wolves’ habitat.

The child then placed their hand through the fence, where a wolf made contact.

According to the zoo, the wolf “briefly” took the child’s hand into its mouth. Officials described the behavior as consistent with normal animal instincts.

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“Wolves investigate, test, and interact with unfamiliar objects through ‘mouthing,’ which can include gently taking something into the mouth without intent to injure,” a spokesperson for ZooAmerica said.

Bystanders at the scene intervened and pulled the child away from the enclosure. The toddler sustained minor injuries, according to zoo officials.

Derry Township police identified the child’s parents as Carrie Sortor, 43, and Stephen Wilson, 61.

Authorities said the couple was seated on a bench approximately 25 to 30 feet away at the time of the incident and were allegedly distracted by their phones.

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Police told WGAL that the parents became aware of the situation only after hearing commotion near the wolf enclosure.

Following the incident, both Sortor and Wilson were charged with a first-degree misdemeanor count of endangering the welfare of children, according to reports.

ZooAmerica officials stated that the facility is designed with multiple layers of safety measures, including barriers and signage intended to keep visitors at a safe distance from animal habitats.

“Our habitats are designed with multiple layers of protection, and clear signage and barriers are in place to help ensure safe viewing. Guests are expected to remain within designated areas and closely supervise children at all times,” the zoo said in a statement.

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The wolf exhibit at the 11-acre zoo houses three wolves: a male named Twister and two female siblings, Hazel and Freya, according to the zoo’s website.

Officials have not indicated any further action involving the animals following the incident. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event remains ongoing.

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