New Delhi: In a chilling return to a dark chapter, wolves in Uttar Pradeshs Bahraich district have resumed attacking and killing children, a disturbing pattern not seen since 1997. Over the past few weeks, this pack of malnourished wolves has claimed the lives of seven children, reviving fears and panic in the region.Historical context and rare occurrencesDr. YV Jhala, a senior wildlife scientist and former dean at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun, noted, “It is very rare. Wolves almost never attack humans. We have only recorded two such incidents before—one in the 1980s and another in 1997.” These previous attacks occurred in rural areas of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where extreme poverty and inadequate housing contribute to vulnerability.Food scarcity drives predatory behaviorWolves, top predators of the Indian grasslands, typically prey on livestock and wildlife such as sheep, goats, and deer. However, with their natural habitats dwindling, wolves are increasingly encroaching on human settlements. “When food sources are scarce, young, unattended children can become easy targets,” explained Dr. Jhala. “Once a wolf succeeds in its first attack, it may be inclined to prey on humans again.”Efforts to contain the threatThe recent spate of attacks has prompted the local forest department to capture four wolves, though two remain at large. Dr. Bilal Habib from WII emphasized the urgency, stating, “The only way to prevent further attacks is to capture these carnivores as soon as possible.” The forest department is working to identify and contain the pack, but challenges persist.Scientists are also considering whether a hybrid wolf, potentially a mix of dog and wolf, might be involved. This theory remains unconfirmed until DNA testing is conducted. With only around 2,000 wolves remaining in India, their protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 is crucial. However, ongoing habitat loss and conflicts with humans suggest that such incidents may become more common.Preventive measures for villagersExperts recommend improving rural infrastructure, such as installing doors and providing basic amenities, to reduce vulnerabilities. For immediate safety, one expert suggested, “Keep a rope tied to your childrens arm while sleeping, as wolves might abandon their pursuit if they cannot secure their prey.”
