Italian prosecutors investigate alleged mistreatment of 'escape genius' bear

Papillon, whose recapture angered environmental groups, is caged at wildlife centre

Italian prosecutors have launched an investigation into the alleged mistreatment of the country's most famous bear, nicknamed Papillon, who is currently detained in a wildlife centre in north-eastern Italy after being recaptured for the third time.

The 149kg young brown bear is accused of having slaughtered dozens of cows and sheep in the mountains of the Trentino region, and until his capture last month was Europe's most wanted wild animal.