Search Operation in Bahraich to Capture Remaining Wolves After Attacks

In Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, a search operation is ongoing to capture the last two wolves from a pack that has caused significant harm in the area. Over the past two months, these wolves have killed eight people, including seven children and a woman, and injured 15 others.

Wolves Captured So Far

Out of the six wolves, four have been captured. The fourth wolf was caught on Thursday and taken to a rescue shelter by the Forest Department. Chief Forest Conservator Renu Singh confirmed, “For a long time there was the terror of wolves here… Today we have caught a wolf… We will transfer it to the zoo… So far, 4 wolves have been caught. There are 2 wolves left; preparations are being made to catch them.”

Efforts and Surveillance

Divisional Forest Officer from Barabanki, Akashdeep Badhawan, mentioned that the pack of wolves was under constant surveillance. “We have traced three wolves that were regularly under our surveillance with the help of direct, indirect sighting, pad marks, as well as using IR drones. When we located one of them, we localised the area. It was later tranquillized with the help of vets present with us,” he said.

Badhawan added, “There are still two left under our surveillance and we are also changing our strategies according to the local conditions, and we are hopeful that we will rescue them as soon as possible. Three have already been rescued since the start of the month and out of the remaining three, one had been rescued today and there are still two left.”

Use of Technology

On Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department used an infrared (IR) drone to detect the presence of two wolves in Bahraich. Divisional Forest Officer Ajeet Pratap Singh said, “We have alerted our people in the village… We have spotted two wolves in our drone, nearly 100 meters away from our location. We went to the spot and noticed footsteps and hence it was confirmed that two wolves had passed from here.”

Ensuring Safety

Circle Officer of Mahasi, Rupendra Gaur, stated, “Drones, nets and cages are being used to catch the wolves. We are continuously trying to catch the wolves…We are ensuring that no untoward incident takes place anywhere. Eight people have lost their lives and 15 others are injured.”