A wolf responsible for the deaths of at least eight people, including seven children and a woman, over the past two months in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district, has been captured by forest officials. The latest victim was an infant killed in an attack on Tuesday night.
How the Capture Was Executed
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Bahraich Forest Department catches the wolf that killed 8 people in Bahraich.
(Video Source: Bahraich Forest Department) pic.twitter.com/qaGAkblyE4
— ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2024
The wolf, part of a pack of six, was caught during a focused operation by the forest department. Officials used firecrackers to direct the wolf along a specific path before tranquilizing it and transporting it to a zoo. So far, four wolves from the pack have been captured, with two still at large.
Operation Bhediya: A Coordinated Effort
The Uttar Pradesh government launched ‘Operation Bhediya’ to capture the dangerous pack of wolves terrorizing the Mehsi tehsil in Bahraich. The operation, closely monitored by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, involved 16 teams dedicated to tracking and capturing the wolves.
Advanced Technology in Wildlife Capture
To ensure the safety of the residents and capture the wolves, the Forest Department deployed drone cameras and thermal drone mapping techniques. These high-tech methods allowed the teams to effectively track the wolves’ movements. Additionally, the officials used a creative approach by setting fire to elephant dung to create a scent that mimicked the presence of elephants. Wolves, which typically avoid large animals like elephants, were pushed away from inhabited areas by this tactic. Traps with bait were also strategically placed in remote areas to lure the wolves.
Safety Measures in Villages
To protect the villagers, District Magistrate Monika Rani has initiated the installation of doors on houses that lack them and has increased night patrolling in all villages. ASHA workers have been assigned the task of raising awareness among the villagers about the ongoing wolf threat and the precautions they should take.