Forest Manager Condemns Misinformation Amidst Bahraich Wolf Scare

Forest General Manager Sanjay Pathak has criticized false media reports concerning recent wolf attacks in Bahraich. While drones and thermal cameras have yet to locate wolves, the district administration has created shelter homes for worried villagers, and four wolves have been captured so far.

Forest General Manager Sanjay Pathak has expressed strong disapproval of misleading reports and rumors about the recent wolf attacks in Bahraich. Pathak specifically condemned media outlets for misidentifying jackals as wolves. He stated, 'Many media persons are running news without confirmation and calling jackals as wolves,' highlighting that such inaccuracies disrupt operations and confuse the team. Despite employing snap cameras with thermal technology, no wolves have been detected thus far. Pathak suggested that the normalizing river water levels and dried-up banks might have led wolves to return to their natural habitat, possibly explaining the lack of wolf sightings in the past week.

Pathak warned that while they are currently issuing warnings to those spreading rumors, more stringent actions may follow. 'If such rumors don't stop, we are considering asking the district administration and police to take necessary action,' he added. Meanwhile, the Bahraich district administration has constructed shelter homes to safeguard villagers from potential wolf attacks. The Panchayat Bhawan in Chandpaiya village, Mahasi tehsil, has been converted into a shelter to aid villagers without secure housing. Many have moved into these sheltered accommodations out of fear and due to the poor conditions of their homes.

Inhabitants of the Panchayat Bhawan shelter home shared their experiences of the wolf terror that forced them to seek refuge. The shelter's supervisor explained, 'Arrangements have been made for villagers to stay. 7 to 8 people come here, with some staying for the last 5 to 10 days. As numbers increase, more provisions will be made. They are here due to fear and poor housing conditions. The MLA and panchayat officials ensure there are adequate drinking water and toilet facilities.'

So far, four wolves have been captured. Drone footage from Saturday morning in Harbaksh Purwa village revealed agricultural land under surveillance. Forest officials conducted a search operation 2-3 kilometers away from Harbaksh Purwa on Saturday after thermal drones located a wolf there on Friday night.

(With inputs from agencies.)