Dying wolf is lifted by its ears by grinning hunter

In footage, which has emerged from eastern Kazakhstan, the hunter can be seen grabbing the stricken animal who has collapsed to the floor.

Blood from the bullet that struck the wolf can also be seen staining the fur on its hind legs.

The wild animal then tries to fight back as it writhes around in the hunter's hand and even attempts to bite him.

But despite its best efforts, the hunter persists in pulling the wolf by the ears in order to get the trophy shot.

The man is dressed in traditional Kazakh hunting dress and smiles proudly while holding up his kill.

Eventually he forces the animal to the ground and then appears to strangle it with its bare hands to make sure it is dead.

The hunter has been identified as Erzhan Aga, who is well known in the local area as a specialist for tracking down and killing wolves under licence from the local authorities.

There are estimated to be around 30,000 wild wolves living in Kazakhstan, and even though the population is not protected, hunters need to be licenced to shoot them.

Their population is said to be increasing and around 2,000 are slain yearly for a £27 bounty.

(dailymail.co.uk)