Killer wolves terrorizing UP's Bahraich; 8 villagers killed since July
A pack of wolves has been terrorizing the Mahsi tehsil in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district for the past two months. At least eight people, including a woman and seven children, have been killed by the canines. The latest incident occurred in Kharighat's Chhattarpur, where three children aged three, six, and nine were attacked by wolves. Before authorities could intervene, the wolves had moved on to Raipur village and killed a five-year-old boy.
Wolves' modus operandi and authorities' response
The wolves have been observed to target children sleeping in their homes, dragging them away to secluded areas, where they are eaten. The body of the five-year-old boy was discovered on Tuesday morning in a sugarcane field. In addition to the fatalities, 50 other individuals have been injured by wolf attacks within Hardi and Khairighat PS areas of Mahsi Tehsil in Bahraich district over the past two months.
Authorities implement measures to curb wolf attacks
In response to the escalating situation, Bahraich District Magistrate Monika Rani convened a meeting with village heads on Tuesday. She urged villagers not to sleep outside with their children and announced plans for installing solar lights at 40 locations and high-mast lights at 10 other spots in the affected villages. The district administration has also set up loudspeakers and focus lights to deter the wolves.
Forest officials use innovative methods to deter wolves
Forest officials from four districts are using high-frequency drone cameras to monitor the wolf pack. They have also resorted to using elephant dung and urine as deterrents. "The dung is set afire to create a scent that simulates the presence of elephants. Wolves...tend to avoid large animals like elephants. By creating this illusion, we aim to push them away from inhabited areas. We have also set up traps with bait in remote areas," IFS officer Akashdeep Badhawan said.
Wolves alter attack timings due to increased night patrols
According to Divisional Forest Officer Ajit Pratap Singh, there have been approximately 30 attacks over the past 40 days. "We have managed to capture three wolves, which have been relocated to various zoos. Attacks have intensified since July," Singh added. However, the wolves have recently changed their attack timings due to increased night patrols by the Forest Department, police, and local residents.
