Sharpshooters Deployed to Hunt Man-Eating Wolves in UP Following Series of Attacks

Bahrainch, Uttar Pradesh, Sept. 4 — Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a drastic measure to tackle the growing menace of man-eating wolves in the state's Bahraich forest division. The situation has escalated in recent months, with wolves increasingly targeting children and causing widespread fear in local villages.

The Uttar Pradesh government has responded to the crisis by deploying a team of nine sharp-shooters, consisting of six from the Forest Department and three from the Police Department. This decision comes after previous attempts to capture the wolves proved ineffective.

Ajit Pratap Singh, the Divisional Forest Officer for Bahraich, explained that the operation will be conducted in three phases. The forest area has been divided into three zones, with a dedicated team of sharp-shooters assigned to each zone. An additional team will be on standby. The primary goal is to locate and capture the wolves, with the secondary option being to shoot if capture proves unfeasible.

The Forest Department has stressed that these wolves cannot be allowed to roam freely in the forest. "The safety of the local population is our top priority. If capturing and relocating the wolves is not possible, we will resort to lethal measures," Singh said. The department has emphasized that any encounters with these dangerous wolves will be met with immediate action, regardless of the challenges involved.

The wolf attacks have been a severe issue since March of this year, but the frequency and intensity increased significantly from July 17. With the onset of the monsoon, the wolves have intensified their assaults on humans, particularly targeting children.

As of September 2, the attacks have resulted in eight deaths, including seven children, and 36 injuries. The authorities are determined to curb this threat and restore safety to the affected areas.