In a decisive operation early Thursday morning, a wolf that had been instilling fear across Majhara Taukli and neighbouring villages in the Kaiserganj forest range of Bahraich division was finally shot dead by a team of forest officials. The animal, which had been responsible for multiple fatal attacks in the area over the past month, was neutralized during a carefully coordinated hunt that involved forest watchers, drone operators, and local villagers acting as guides. The killing has brought temporary relief to residents, who have been living under the constant threat of wolf attacks.

The operation began in the pre-dawn hours, around 4 am, when the forest team, led by former Bahraich Divisional Forest Officer Ajit Pratap Singh, currently posted in Ghazipur, spotted the predator. Singh, renowned for his expertise in tracking wild animals, was recalled to Bahraich amid the resurgence of wolf attacks in the area. “We tracked the animal and spotted it around 4 am,” Singh said. “It was chased for roughly a kilometre across sandy terrain. When attempts to capture it failed, the team shot the wolf with a 12-bore gun. It was found to be a male.”

The team involved in the operation comprised five key personnel besides Singh: forest watcher Rafiq, drone operators Soham Dutta and Mohti, and local villagers Hira and Mulla, who provided essential guidance through the region’s terrain. The use of drones was particularly crucial in tracking the wolf’s movements, as the animal had become elusive due to its nocturnal habits and the vast expanse of the forested and semi-rural areas.

The wolf’s death follows a string of recent attacks that have left the local population on edge. According to reports from local officials, six fatalities—including four children—and around 30 injuries have occurred in the past month in the Kaiserganj area alone. This resurgence of wolf attacks comes in the aftermath of last year’s deadly spate in the Mahsi area, which claimed the lives of 10 people, including nine children, and injured dozens more. The pattern of attacks had prompted the state government to initiate ‘Operation Wolf’ under which five wolves were captured by the forest department, and villagers in Tamachpur killed another.

Veterinary examination of the wolf was conducted by Dr. Deepak Verma, who confirmed that the animal was approximately five years old and was not suffering from any infection. “The viscera sample of the wolf has been sent to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly for further investigation,” Dr. Verma said. The examination is aimed at understanding any behavioral or health anomalies that may have contributed to the animal’s aggressive tendencies and its targeting of human settlements.

Thursday’s killing marks the second wolf shot in the region this season. Earlier, Singh had led an operation on September 28 to eliminate another wolf that had similarly threatened the local population. The forest department has maintained heightened patrols and continued drone surveillance to monitor for remaining threats, and community outreach programs have been initiated to educate residents on measures to minimize encounters with wild animals.

The response from local villagers reflects a cautious sense of relief. Deep Narayan, the village head representative of Majhara Taukli, stated, “People, especially children and the elderly, have been living in fear. We hope this brings peace back to our villages.” Residents have been particularly anxious during the nights, avoiding outdoor activities and keeping children under close supervision to prevent further attacks.

The threat of wolf attacks had earlier prompted a visit by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on September 27. During his visit to Bahraich, the Chief Minister met with families affected by the recent attacks and issued directives for immediate action against the predators. He made it clear that wolves that could not be safely captured should be shot to prevent further loss of human life. In accordance with this directive, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Anuradha Vemuri had also issued an official letter on September 26, guiding forest officials on the operational measures to control the situation.

The operations in Bahraich reflect the complex challenge of managing wildlife-human conflict in areas where villages and forests are in close proximity. Wolves, being territorial and highly adaptive, often venture into human settlements in search of food, especially when their natural prey is scarce. The situation in Bahraich has been exacerbated by increased interaction between humans and wildlife due to agricultural expansion and habitation in forested regions. Forest officials have repeatedly emphasized the need for vigilance even after Thursday’s killing, warning that other predators in the area could pose continued risks until fully addressed.

The forest department’s use of modern technology, such as drones and night-vision equipment, alongside traditional tracking methods, has proven instrumental in addressing the threat. In addition, the involvement of local residents as guides underscores the importance of community cooperation in managing wildlife conflicts. Villagers have been trained in reporting sightings promptly and in following precautionary measures to reduce the likelihood of attacks. These include keeping livestock in secure enclosures, avoiding isolated travel during early morning and late evening hours, and maintaining constant vigilance for signs of predator movement.

While the killing of the wolf provides immediate relief, authorities stress that it is only a part of a broader, ongoing effort to safeguard human life in the region. Forest officers have indicated that continuous monitoring, early-warning systems, and rapid response teams will remain operational until the threat is fully contained. Additionally, they are exploring measures to maintain ecological balance and prevent similar incidents in the future, such as enhancing prey availability in forests, installing physical barriers, and promoting community awareness programs.

The Bahraich wolf incidents serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and human safety. While wolves play an important role in maintaining ecological balance, their encroachment into human settlements creates a direct risk to life. The forest department’s operations in Bahraich, guided by expert trackers like Ajit Pratap Singh, demonstrate a coordinated approach that combines scientific methods, community involvement, and decisive action to manage such conflicts effectively.

As of now, the region remains on alert, with heightened patrolling and increased vigilance by both forest personnel and local residents. The successful elimination of this particular wolf, along with sustained monitoring, is expected to gradually restore a sense of safety to the affected villages. However, officials and residents alike remain aware that ongoing cooperation, preparedness, and vigilance are essential until the threat is fully neutralized and peace is permanently restored to the Bahraich forest-village interface.