Wildlife SOS, along with other wildlife conservation organisations, is actively collaborating with the Forest Department of Uttar Pradesh to address the recent series of fatal wolf attacks in Bahraich. The expert rescue teams have been stationed in the area, providing crucial assistance in capturing the wolves and mitigating the ongoing conflict between these wild canids and the local human population.
Wolves, despite their reputation, are naturally shy and elusive animals. They typically avoid human contact and do not attack unless cornered or threatened. In recent incidents, the wolves’ behaviour is likely a defensive response due to habitat disturbance and a shortage of prey. This dwindling prey base can lead to conflict cases with humans.
Contrary to some misconceptions, wolves do not engage in revenge attacks. Their primary motive is survival, and such behaviour is not characteristic of their nature. The situation at hand is complex and requires a nuanced understanding of wildlife behaviour to resolve effectively.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, expressed, “Fear mongering and spreading unverified rumours only worsen the situation and create unnecessary panic. It’s crucial that we base our actions on facts and collaborate to find a solution rather than letting unverified intel drive the narrative.”
Baiju Raj M.V, Director- Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS stated, “Our team is fully committed to assisting the forest department in every possible way. We are working around the clock to capture and safely relocate the wolves, and to implement measures that will help prevent future conflicts.”
Yadvendradev Vikramsinh Jhala, Senior Scientist and Conservationist, stated, “Due to a lack of hare and other prey, and the vulnerability of unprotected children, wolves or some canid have begun targeting easier victims. We need to address this by removing this canid. For their intelligence and adaptability, particularly since wolves may be hybridised with domestic dogs, this particular child lifter could be a wild wolf with disability, a wolf-dog hybrid, a pet wolf released by the owner or also possibly a feral dog. First correct identification and then removal of this animal will resolve the situation. For the long-term, poverty alleviation from the region so that better living conditions prevail is the answer to mitigate most wildlife attacks.”
India’s wolf population is currently estimated at around 3,100 individuals of the Indian grey wolf, or Canis lupus pallipes. Wolves are classified as endangered under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, highlighting the critical need for their conservation and protection