Dolls soaked in urine, drones: How's UP hunting killer wolves
What's the story
In the past two months, eight people, including seven children and a woman, have been killed by wolves in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh. The forest department has initiated "Operation Bhediya" to capture these predators. Four out of six wolves from the pack have already been captured under this operation. However, with two wolves still at large and residents fearing more attacks, officials are now using unconventional methods to trap them.
Innovative strategies
How forest department plans to trap wolves
The forest department is using soft toys soaked in children's urine as bait to lure the remaining wolves. "Since these animals have primarily been targeting children, we have introduced large soft toys dressed in colorful clothes, soaked in children's urine, to create a false sense of human presence," Divisional Forest Officer Ajit Pratap Singh told news agency PTI. The natural human scent from these toys is expected to attract the wolves closer to the traps set up by officials.
Additional measures
Thermal drones and firecrackers used in wolf hunt
The forest department is also using thermal drones to track the wolves and attempting to drive them toward deserted areas near the traps by setting off firecrackers and making noise. Firecrackers are being burst every hour in multiple villages as a safety measure for residents. Another official compared the use of teddy dolls by the forest department to scarecrows used in fields, serving as a form of false bait.
Community involvement
Elephant dung and public awareness programs in action
Elephant dung is also being used by the forest department to deter the wolves terrorizing Bahraich's Mahsi tehsil. "The dung is set afire to create a scent that simulates the presence of elephants. Wolves, which are pack hunters, tend to avoid large animals like elephants," an official explained. Additionally, public awareness programs have been planned for at least two months until the area is confirmed wolf-free.
Precautionary measures
Joint efforts and precautions against wolf attacks
The forest department and local police have teamed up for this initiative, which aims to deter wolves using loud noises and bright lights. MLA Sureshwar Singh stated that the "wolf scare began in Bahraich district and its Mahasi Assembly constituency from July 17, 2024." He added that electricity is being ensured in identified areas where there is no power supply and doors are being set up at houses where incidents have occurred.