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The article details the ongoing wolf attacks in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, where despite capturing five wolves, the attacks on children continue. This has led the authorities to suspect that they might be looking for the wrong animal, as animal experts repeatedly attribute the attacks to a wolf-dog hybrid that might be roaming unnoticed in villages.
The distinction between a wolf-dog hybrid and a dog, both being close descendants of wolves, is challenging. There seems to be a lack of effort in searching for the wolf-dog hybrid, which could have blended into the local dog population. The article highlights that there is a financial incentive for attributing attacks to wolves, as government compensation is provided for wolf attacks but not for wolf-dog or feral dog attacks, unless approved by district authorities.
The article further delves into a 1996 investigation in eastern UP districts, which found that many alleged wolf deaths were either fabricated to settle old rivalries or obtain compensation. Even in cases where an animal attack was confirmed, it was often attributed to a single animal and not a pack. This echoes the current situation in Bahraich, where intact carcasses suggest the involvement of a lone animal. However, despite canine marks found on victims, there is no confirmation through forensic analysis that the captured wolves are the actual culprits.
The article criticizes the lack of transparency from the UP government regarding the evidence for their claim of a particular wolf pack being involved. While villagers remain terrified, demanding safety measures like fortified homes and night vigils, the forest department continues their chase for the elusive animal. This highlights the vulnerability of impoverished communities living near forests, who bear the brunt of human-animal conflict. Despite the fear, the lack of clarity regarding the actual attacker raises questions about the effectiveness of the forest department's efforts and the potential for misdirection in their investigation.
Source: Bahraich attacks: Foresters seem clueless about the attacker, wolf or wolf-dog hybrid