Police are hunting the man who filmed himself laughing as he chased a terrified wolf down a slope where it then ran into a safety net as it tried to flee.

The images, filmed by the skier himself on the Pampeago ski slopes in Val di Fiemme. In northern Italy’s Trentino province, show the man thundering down a slope at speed when the wolf suddenly comes into view.

The animal runs as fast as it possibly can but the skier is faster and he eventually catches up with it, causing it to change direction at the last second and run straight into the safety netting at the bottom of the piste as the footage ends.

The images made waves after being shared online, with Paolo Scarian, a wolf enthusiast and an expert on the packs of Val di Fiemme and Val di Fassa. Immediately notifying the local foresters of the man’s abuse of the animal, according to local media.

The person who filmed the footage, who has not named, risks years in prison. With a complaint also reportedly being filed by the Italian National Animal Protection Agency and the Trento Prosecutor’s Office.

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Now investigators, looking into allegations of animal abuse and killing of animals. Are set to go to the scene in a bid to determine if the animal was injured and if so if it died as a result of the incident.

Local media said that if convicted of animal cruelty, the skier risks three to 18 months in prison and a fine ranging from EUR 5,000 to EUR 30,000 (GBP 4,271 to GBP 25,628).

And if the animal died as a result of an injury sustained during the impact with the safety netting. The skier reportedly risks being found guilty of killing animals. Which comes with a potential prison sentence ranging from four to 24 months.

The investigation is ongoing.