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{{Short description|Series of wolf attacks on humans}}
[[File:India_Uttar_Pradesh_districts_2012_Bahraich.svg|thumb|[[Bahraich district]] in the [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Uttar Pradesh]] where the attacks took place.]]
The '''Bahraich wolf attacks''' were a series of [[wolf attacks on humans]] which occurred between March and September 2024 in [[Bahraich district]] in the [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Uttar Pradesh]]. The attacks were suspected to be carried out by a pack of six wolves. In August 2024, the [[Government of Uttar Pradesh]] launched ''Operation Bhediya'' to capture the wolves. {{As of|2024|9|11}}, at least ten people have been killed with more than 30 people injured in the suspected attacks by these wolves. Five of the wolves suspected to be behind the attacks were captured.

== Background ==
[[File:Genome_Sequencing_of_a_Gray_Wolf_from_Peninsular_India_(2022)_fig._1A.png|thumb|An [[Indian wolf]]]]

The [[Indian wolf]] (''Canis lupus pallipes'') is a [[subspecies of Canis lupus|subspecies of gray wolf]]. It is classified as [[endangered]], with the Indian population estimated at 3000 mature individuals.<ref name="HT1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1972-53_0.pdf|title=Wildlife Protection Act 1972|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=26 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026080408/https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1972-53_0.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author1=Jhala, Y. V. |title=The Status and Conservation of the Wolf in Gujarat and Rajasthan, India |author2=Giles, R. H. Jr. |journal=Conservation Biology |volume=5 |issue=4 |date=1991 |pages=476–483 |doi=10.1111/j.1523-1739.1991.tb00354.x |jstor=2386069 |bibcode=1991ConBi...5..476J}}</ref> Wolf attacks on humans are rare occurrences and are mostly carried out by wolves infected with [[rabies]], which attack humans without consuming them.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2n1z943zzo|title=The child-killing wolves sparking panic in India|work=[[BBC]]|date=4 September 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|archive-date=9 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909140453/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2n1z943zzo|url-status=live}}</ref> As per a report by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, about 489 cases of wolf attacks were reported between 2002 and 2020 across 21 countries including India, of which only 26 were fatal.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://d1jyxxz9imt9yb.cloudfront.net/resource/882/attachment/original/Linnell_NINA_RAP_1944_Wolf_attack_update.pdf|title=Wolf attacks on humans: an update for 2002–2020|publisher=Norwegian Institute for Nature Research|author1=Linnell, J.D.C.|author2=Kovtun, E.|author3=Rouart, I.|year=2021|isbn=978-8-24264-721-4|access-date=12 September 2024|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913002902/https://d1jyxxz9imt9yb.cloudfront.net/resource/882/attachment/original/Linnell_NINA_RAP_1944_Wolf_attack_update.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[States and union territories of India|Indian state]] of [[Uttar Pradesh]] has a history of wolf attacks: in 1996, a lone wolf killed 42 children in the districts of [[Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh|Pratapgarh]], [[Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh|Sultanpur]] and [[Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh|Jaunpur]], with 13 wolves being killed in response.<ref name="HT1"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/before-bahraich-wolf-attacks-how-investigators-pieced-together-what-killed-30-children-in-east-up-3-decades-back|title=Before Bahraich wolf attacks: How investigators pieced together what killed 30 children in east UP 3 decades back|work=[[Down to Earth (magazine)|Down to Earth]]|date=September 2024 |access-date=1 September 2024|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913002905/https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/before-bahraich-wolf-attacks-how-investigators-pieced-together-what-killed-30-children-in-east-up-3-decades-back|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Location ==
About 50 villages are located in the Mahasi Tehsil of [[Bahraich district]] in Uttar Pradesh along the [[floodplains]] of the [[Ghaghara River]]. The surrounding forests and grasslands host wolf populations.<ref name="BBC"/><ref name="HT1"/> [[Sugarcane]] is widely cultivated in the region and the wolves often use the tall standing crops in the sugarcane fields to hide themselves.<ref name="HT1"/>

== Attacks ==
Since March 2024, suspected attacks by wolves were reported in Bahraich district.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/attacks-and-deaths-in-bahraich-why-and-when-wolves-turn-on-humans-9548857/|title=Attacks and deaths in Bahraich: Why and when wolves turn on humans|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=5 September 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|archive-date=10 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910070756/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/attacks-and-deaths-in-bahraich-why-and-when-wolves-turn-on-humans-9548857/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/bahraichs-deadly-wolf-pack-authorities-suspect-a-third-predator-as-fear-spreads/videoshow/113067232.cms?from=mdr|title=Bahraich's deadly wolf pack: Authorities suspect a third predator as fear spreads|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=4 September 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|archive-date=4 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904185224/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/bahraichs-deadly-wolf-pack-authorities-suspect-a-third-predator-as-fear-spreads/videoshow/113067232.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 10, a wolf carried away a three-year-old girl from Mishram Purwa village when she was sleeping in the open and her body was never recovered. On March 28, a lone wolf killed a one-year-old child in Nayapurwa village.<ref name="HT1">{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/bahraich-wolf-attacks-life-on-fringes-abject-poverty-connects-victims-101725384689231.html|title=Bahraich wolf attacks: Life on fringes, abject poverty connects victims|newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]]|date=4 September 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913002907/https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/bahraich-wolf-attacks-life-on-fringes-abject-poverty-connects-victims-101725384689231.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The attacks escalated after a one-month old boy from Sikandarpur village on July 17.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/long-reads/wolf-attack-bahraich-uttar-pradesh-operation-bhediya-villages-9547204/|title=As the wolves of Bahraich evade drones, nets and cages, 35 UP villages live in terror|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|date=3 September 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|archive-date=10 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910150012/https://indianexpress.com/article/long-reads/wolf-attack-bahraich-uttar-pradesh-operation-bhediya-villages-9547204/|url-status=live}}</ref> A two-year old was killed on July 28 and another eight-year-old boy was taken away by the wolves on August 3.<ref name="HT"/>
On August 17, a four-year-old girl, who was sleeping outside her house was dragged away during a power cut and on August 24, an eight-year-old girl from the Majhra Bhatoli village became the fifth child victim of the wolves in one month.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/5th-child-killed-in-wolf-attack-in-50-days-in-bahraich/articleshow/112757092.cms|title=5th child killed in wolf attacks|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=24 August 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|archive-date=26 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826124508/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bareilly/5th-child-killed-in-wolf-attack-in-50-days-in-bahraich/articleshow/112757092.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 27, another infant was killed by the wolves.<ref name="BBC"/> On September 2, the wolves killed a three year old and attacked two elderly women in Nauhan Garethi village on the same night.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Sep/02/three-year-old-girl-killed-two-women-injured-in-separate-incidents-of-wolf-attack-in-ups-bahraich|title=Three-year-old girl killed, two women injured in separate incidents of wolf attack in UP's Bahraich|date=2 September 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913002520/https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Sep/02/three-year-old-girl-killed-two-women-injured-in-separate-incidents-of-wolf-attack-in-ups-bahraich|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 4, the wolves entered a house and carried away a sleeping seven-year-old boy, whose body was found the next day.<ref name="IE">{{cite news|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/up-forest-department-fifth-wolves-killed-bahraich-9559656/|title=Month-Long Operation in Bahraich: Fifth wolf captured, hunt on for last one|date=11 September 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|archive-date=11 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240911015532/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/up-forest-department-fifth-wolves-killed-bahraich-9559656/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 10 September, a lone wolf attacked and injured two girls on the same night in separate incidents, which was followed by an attack on 50-year-old woman the next day. The incidents occurred at night when the victims were sleeping and the wolf ran away after the villagers raised an alarm.<ref name="IT">{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uttar-pradesh-bahraich-lone-wolf-attack-injured-killed-forest-department-operation-bhediya-2597721-2024-09-11|title=Two more children, both 11, attacked by lone wolf in UP's Bahraich|date=11 September 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|work=[[India Today]]|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913002412/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/uttar-pradesh-bahraich-lone-wolf-attack-injured-killed-forest-department-operation-bhediya-2597721-2024-09-11|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thedailyjagran.com/uttar-pradesh/up-bhedia-attack-operation-bhediya-up-forest-department-bahraich-wolf-attack-mahasi-incident-10186863|title=Another wolf attack in Bahraich As Man-Eater Bhedia Injures 11-Year-Old Girl|date=11 September 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|newspaper=[[Jagran Prakashan]]|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913002913/https://english.jagran.com/uttar-pradesh/up-bhedia-attack-operation-bhediya-up-forest-department-bahraich-wolf-attack-mahasi-incident-10186863|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DH">{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/up-woman-injured-in-fresh-wolf-attack-at-home-in-bahraich-3187641|title=UP woman injured in fresh wolf attack at home in Bahraich|date=12 September 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|newspaper=[[Deccan Herald]]|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913002413/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/up-woman-injured-in-fresh-wolf-attack-at-home-in-bahraich-3187641|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2024|9|11}}, at least ten people including nine children and a 45-year-old woman have been killed.<ref name="BBC"/> More than 30 people were injured in the suspected attacks by these wolves.<ref name="IT"/><ref name="DH"/> As most people in these villages lived in poverty, the houses do not have doors and most of the victims were attacked in their houses while sleeping at night.<ref name="HT1"/>

== Animals involved ==
Based on [[camera trap]]s and images captured by [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|drones]], six wolves were suspected to be behind the attacks. The local villagers claimed that nearly 24 wolves may be involved, citing the sightings of the animals in the villages.<ref name="IE"/> Scientist [[Yadvendradev Vikramsinh Jhala|Y V Jhala]] commented that there is no definite proof to link these wolves to the attacks and the attacks might have been carried out by wolves or wolf-dog hybrids.<ref name="HT">{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/wolves-dogs-or-wolf-dogs-the-bahraich-confusion-lingers-101726082048219.html|title=Wolves, dogs or wolf-dogs?|date=12 September 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]]|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913000952/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/wolves-dogs-or-wolf-dogs-the-bahraich-confusion-lingers-101726082048219.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Officials stated that some of the attacks attributed to the wolves could have been by other animals.<ref name="ET">{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/vengeance-likely-reason-behind-wolf-attacks-in-ups-bahraich-say-officials/articleshow/113169632.cms?from=mdr|title=Vengeance likely reason behind wolf attacks in UP's Bahraich, say officials|date=8 September 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913000952/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/vengeance-likely-reason-behind-wolf-attacks-in-ups-bahraich-say-officials/articleshow/113169632.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to Amita Kanaujia of the [[Lucknow University]], climate change has resulted in flooding during the [[monsoons]], which have altered the habitat of the wolves. As a result, the wolves are often driven out of the traditional habitat and forced into human settlements in search of food.<ref name="BBC"/> Officials stated that either the animals might have been infected by Rabies or they might have started to attack humans for encroaching their territory.<ref name="ET"/>

== Response ==
The [[Government of Uttar Pradesh]] launched a campaign named ''Operation Bhediya'' to capture the wolves that were suspected to be behind the attacks.<ref name="DH"/> About 16 separate teams were formed to track down the wolves.<ref name="States">{{cite news|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/wolf-attacks-in-bahraich-up-cm-keeps-close-watch-on-operation-bhediya-1503336948.html|title=Wolf attacks in Bahraich: UP CM keeps close watch on Operation Bhediya|work=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]]|date=4 September 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=28 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240828182221/https://www.thestatesman.com/india/wolf-attacks-in-bahraich-up-cm-keeps-close-watch-on-operation-bhediya-1503336948.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The forest department used [[thermal camera]]s and [[paw print|pug marks]] to track the wolves.<ref name="IE"/> On 29 August, the first wolf was caught after movement was deducted in the cameras.<ref name="NDTV"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/uttar-pradesh-bahraich-wolf-children-operation-bhediya-b2604246.html|title=First wolf finally captured from pack that has killed seven children in northern India|work=[[The Independent]]|date=30 August 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|archive-date=30 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830132126/https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/india/uttar-pradesh-bahraich-wolf-children-operation-bhediya-b2604246.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Another three wolves were caught in quick succession. Out of the four wolves, two died during capture.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/operation-bhediya-another-wolf-captured-uncertainty-over-number-on-prowl-in-ups-bahraich-3168957|title='Operation Bhediya': Another wolf captured, uncertainty over number on prowl in UP's Bahraich|newspaper=[[The Hindustan Times]]|date=30 August 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913003412/https://www.deccanherald.com/india/uttar-pradesh/operation-bhediya-another-wolf-captured-uncertainty-over-number-on-prowl-in-ups-bahraich-3168957|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/op-bhediya-fourth-wolf-the-most-ferocious-captured-from-sisayya-floodplain-in-bahraich-1503337223.html|title=Op Bhediya: Fourth wolf, the most ferocious, captured from Sisayya floodplain in Bahraich|newspaper=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]]|date=30 August 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|archive-date=29 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829172302/https://www.thestatesman.com/india/op-bhediya-fourth-wolf-the-most-ferocious-captured-from-sisayya-floodplain-in-bahraich-1503337223.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 10 September, a fifth wolf was caught in the trap set by the officials near Sisai Churamani. The female wolf had killed a goat the previous night.<ref name="IE"/> The captured wolves were tranquilised and sent to [[Gorakhpur Zoo]].<ref name="NDTV">{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/killer-wolf-involved-in-deaths-of-8-people-in-ups-bahraich-finally-caught-after-operation-bhediya-6443161|title=Wolf That Killed 7 Children In UP Caught: How Operation Bhediya Unfolded|work=[[NDTV]]|date=29 August 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913001636/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/killer-wolf-involved-in-deaths-of-8-people-in-ups-bahraich-finally-caught-after-operation-bhediya-6443161|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following multiple attacks, the villagers feared for their lives and even killed a dog on suspicion.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amid-fears-of-wolf-attack-up-villagers-kill-dog-that-attacked-3-persons-6507923|title=Amid Wolf Attack Fears, UP Villagers Kill Dog That Attacked 3 People|date=7 September 2024|access-date=12 September 2024|work=[[NDTV]]|archive-date=13 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240913000953/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/amid-fears-of-wolf-attack-up-villagers-kill-dog-that-attacked-3-persons-6507923|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="HT"/> The state government has conducted awareness campaigns in the area and the villagers were instructed to install doors to the houses. Night patrolling was conducted and solar powered lights were installed in common areas.<ref name="NDTV"/><ref name="DH"/> Dung and urine of [[Indian elephants]] were used in an effort to ward of the wolves from the populated villages.<ref name="NDTV"/> The government announced a [[ex-gratia]] financial assistance of {{INRconvert|500000}} to the deceased.<ref name="DH"/><ref name="States"/>

== See also ==

* [[List of wolf attacks]]
* [[List of fatal dog attacks#India|Stray dog attacks § India]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Disasters in India in 2024}}

[[Category:Deaths due to wolf attacks]]
[[Category:Man-eating animals in India]]
[[Category:2024 in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Bahraich district|Wolf attacks]]
[[Category:Attacks in India in 2024]]
[[Category:Disasters in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:2024 in the environment]]

Bahraich wolf attacks - Revision history

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