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Wolf Attack Overview
Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have captured a wolf linked to a series of attacks that resulted in the deaths of seven children and one woman. This incident has raised serious concerns in the region.
In Bahraich district, a team of 25 forest officers combed through sugarcane fields after reports of wolf attacks in over 30 villages. These assaults led to eight fatalities in just six weeks, creating widespread fear among the local population.
Response from Authorities
The captured wolf is believed to be part of a pack of three aggressive wolves. The attacks have affected over 50,000 residents, prompting the forest department to deploy 150 officers and more than 200 security personnel for assistance.
Thanks to advanced tracking methods, officials located the wolf using drones equipped with thermal imaging technology. The male wolf was first detected at 11 PM and captured around 10:45 AM the next day.
Details of the Capture
Sanjay Srivastava, the principal chief conservator of forests, confirmed the successful capture and transport of the wolf to a zoo in Gorakhpur district. He described the operation as challenging due to the clever nature of these animals.
As a precaution, villagers have been advised to remain vigilant, especially at night. While leopard and tiger attacks are more common in India, wolf attacks are rare.
Preventative Measures
In response to the attacks, local authorities have installed loudspeakers and floodlights to deter wolves from approaching villages. Additionally, they plan to use elephant dung and urine to create an illusion of large animals in the area.
This strategy is based on the understanding that wolves typically avoid regions inhabited by larger creatures.
Recent Attack Incidents
The first attack occurred on July 17, when a one-year-old child was killed. The latest incident took place on August 26, involving a wolf entering a home and fatally attacking a seven-year-old boy.
During summer, villagers often sleep outdoors to escape the heat, making them vulnerable to such attacks. One mother recounted her desperate attempt to save her son from a wolf, highlighting the perilous situation.
Understanding Wolf Behavior
According to Ajeet Singh, the divisional forest officer overseeing the operation, wolves can become man-eaters after tasting human flesh. The recent monsoon rains may have driven these wolves to seek food in human habitats, exacerbating the problem.