Innovative Strategy: Dolls Soaked in Children’s Urine Used to Capture Killer Wolves in UP’s Bahraich

Innovative Strategy: Dolls Soaked in Children’s Urine Used to Capture Killer Wolves in UP’s Bahraich

In a unique and somewhat unconventional approach to wildlife management, the forest department in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, has initiated an innovative strategy to capture a pack of wolves that have been terrorizing local communities. This initiative, dubbed “Operation Bhediya,” involves using brightly colored teddy dolls soaked in children’s urine as bait to lure the predators away from residential areas.

The Background of the Crisis

The Bahraich region has been plagued by a series of alarming wolf attacks over the past few months, with reports indicating that a pack of six wolves has killed six children and one woman since mid-July 2024. The attacks have caused widespread fear among residents, prompting urgent action from local authorities.In response to the escalating violence, the forest department has devised a plan to mislead the wolves by simulating a human presence. According to Divisional Forest Officer Ajit Pratap Singh, the strategy involves placing the dolls near the wolves’ resting areas and soaking them in children’s urine to replicate a natural human scent. This tactic aims to draw the wolves closer to traps set up in deserted areas.

Execution of the Strategy

The teddy dolls are strategically positioned near riverbanks and other locations frequented by the wolves. The use of children’s urine is intended to create a false sense of security for the wolves, encouraging them to approach the traps. In addition to the dolls, the forest department is employing thermal drones to track the wolves’ movements and using firecrackers to drive them towards the traps.Senior IFS officer Ramesh Kumar Pandey explained that this method can be classified as “false bait,” similar to how scarecrows are used to protect crops from birds. While there is no proven record of such methods being successful, Pandey believes that innovative approaches should be explored to address the ongoing human-wildlife conflict.

Community Concerns and Reactions

While the forest department’s efforts have led to the capture of four out of the six wolves, two remain at large, continuing to pose a threat to the local population. The community’s frustration is palpable, with many residents expressing concerns about the adequacy of the response to the wolf attacks. Locals have reported that they feel neglected by the administration, which has been slow to act in the face of repeated attacks.One resident recounted the harrowing experience of losing a child to a wolf attack, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to ensure the safety of families in the area. The emotional toll of these incidents has galvanized the community to demand more robust action from authorities to protect their children and livestock.

Conclusion

The use of dolls soaked in children’s urine as a bait to capture killer wolves in Bahraich is an innovative yet unconventional strategy that underscores the complexities of managing human-wildlife conflicts. As the forest department continues its efforts under Operation Bhediya, the community remains hopeful for a resolution to the ongoing threat posed by these predators. The situation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and the safety of local residents, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and innovative solutions in addressing these pressing issues.