Night Vigil, 32 Teams, Thermal Drones: How Forest Dept Is Tackling Wolves In Bahraich

Last Updated:September 22, 2025, 17:38 IST

Distressed villagers are forced to keep night-long vigil, taking turns with sticks and torches to safeguard their lives, homes, and livestock from prowling wolves

The surge in wolf attacks has instilled an atmosphere of fear, forcing residents to stay alert during the night. (Local18)

Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh is once again living in fear as wolf attacks surge. Packs have been prowling villages after dusk, killing livestock and even claiming human lives. Over the past 18 months, the predators have mauled a woman and 13 children to death, left more than 80 injured, and slaughtered around 120 cattle.

Distressed villagers are now compelled to keep vigil throughout the night, taking turns to protect their lives and property with sticks and torches. In the past 10 days, two people have died and four villagers have been seriously injured due to wolf attacks. This surge in attacks has instilled an atmosphere of fear, forcing residents to stay alert during the night.

The Forest Department is actively warning villagers with announcements from vehicles, advising them to “Stay Awake” and “Be Cautious.”

This wolf menace previously gained international attention, and the situation had temporarily improved. However, the threat has resurfaced. In just the past week, there have been four attacks, resulting in the deaths of two innocent victims.

What Drives Wolves To Attack Humans?

Forest Department official Ram Singh Yadav explained that after the rains, riverbank dens fill with water, leaving wolves without a safe haven or enough food. Consequently, they migrate to human settlements and often target small children as they are easier prey. When unable to find children, wolves may also attack adults. Once the rains end and river levels recede, the wolves return to their dens.

In response to the escalating threat, the Forest Department has ramped up surveillance efforts and deployed 32 teams, using thermal drones, cages, and traps to capture the wolves.

Key Points To Remember

Awareness messages continue to be broadcast from vehicles. Villagers are advised to sleep with their families in closed rooms at night and keep their doors tightly shut. Those without doors are encouraged to temporarily erect barriers and seek assistance from the local administration to ensure safety.

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