Bahraich Wolf Attack: The Kaiserganj area of Bahraich district, situated in the Terai belt near the Nepal border, has been witnessing a disturbing rise in wolf attacks since September. What initially appeared to be isolated incidents has now turned into a prolonged crisis affecting daily life across villages. Despite repeated interventions by the Forest Department, the situation continues to deteriorate, creating fear, uncertainty, and anger among local residents.
For over three months, people in the Kaiserganj forest range have been living under the shadow of danger. Wolves that once attacked mostly during nighttime hours have now started targeting people during daylight, signaling a shift in behavior. Children remain the most vulnerable, but adults are no longer safe either. Parents are afraid to send their children outside, and routine activities like farming, collecting firewood, or even walking short distances have become risky.
Within a span of around 100 days, wolf attacks have resulted in 11 deaths, including nine children, and more than 40 people have suffered serious injuries. These numbers have intensified public fear and raised questions about the effectiveness of current containment measures.
To control the situation, the Forest Department deployed 32 teams across the affected areas. Each team consists of trained personnel carrying out combing operations, monitoring wolf movement, and spreading awareness among villagers. Traps, surveillance, and night patrols have also been increased.
Earlier, after multiple fatalities, forest officials decided to eliminate six wolves believed to be part of the attacking pack. However, instead of reducing incidents, the attacks reportedly increased afterward. This unexpected outcome has added complexity to the crisis and challenged traditional wildlife management strategies.
The first recorded attack in the Kaiserganj range took place on September 9. As casualties rose, pressure mounted on authorities to take strong action. The killing of six wolves was intended to neutralize the threat, but villagers claim that fear has only grown since then. Attacks have continued without regard for time, making residents feel unsafe even during the day.
This has led to growing frustration among locals, who feel trapped between wildlife danger and limited options for protection. Many families have started staying indoors after sunset, and community gatherings have declined significantly.
Wildlife experts believe the escalation may be linked to pack behavior. According to wildlife specialist GP Singh, wolves are highly social animals that live in close-knit packs. If one or more members are harmed, the remaining wolves may display aggressive behavior as a form of retaliation.
Former Divisional Forest Officer Ajit Singh supports this view, stating that wolves are extremely protective of their group, much like humans. He suggests that the surviving wolves may perceive human activity as a threat after the killing of their pack members, leading to more frequent and aggressive attacks.
Bahraich DFO Ram Singh Yadav has assured the public that continuous efforts are underway to resolve the situation. He stated that forest teams are actively working to capture the wolves, increase surveillance, and educate residents on safety measures. Awareness campaigns are being conducted to inform people about avoiding forest areas, protecting children, and responding safely during encounters.
Despite these assurances, villagers remain anxious and demand a long-term solution that balances human safety with wildlife conservation.
The situation in Kaiserganj highlights the complex relationship between humans and wildlife in forest-border regions. Experts emphasize the need for scientific assessment, habitat management, and community involvement rather than reactive measures alone. Without a sustainable strategy, such conflicts may continue to escalate, putting both human lives and wildlife at risk.
