5-Year-Old Boy Dies Following Wolf Attack in Uttar Pradesh: Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict in Bahraich District

Since September 28, forest department marksmen have neutralized four wolves in the region. (Representational)

A tragic incident occurred in Kaisarganj, a tehsil in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district, where a five-year-old boy succumbed to injuries sustained during a wolf attack, officials confirmed on Saturday.

The victim, identified as Star, son of Roshan Kumar, was playing outside his residence on Friday evening when two wolves attacked him in his village.

Local residents reported that one wolf seized the child and dragged him away, prompting neighbors to immediately respond by chasing the predators with sticks and rods.

Following the pursuit, villagers discovered the boy unconscious and severely injured in a nearby field. He was initially admitted to the Kaisarganj community health center before being transferred to the district hospital.

As the child's condition deteriorated, medical staff attempted to transport him to a medical college in Lucknow for specialized treatment, but tragically, he died during the journey, according to officials.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Ram Singh Yadav verified to PTI that the attack occurred between 5 pm and 6 pm on Friday near sugarcane fields in Mallahan Purwa village, situated close to the Ghaghara river.

"The child unfortunately succumbed to his injuries while en route to Lucknow for treatment. Post-mortem procedures are underway, after which government-sanctioned financial assistance will be provided to the bereaved family," the DFO stated, adding that wolf pug marks were identified at the location where the child was found.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive search operation in the area utilizing specialized teams and drone technology, with three cage traps installed near the affected village, Yadav informed.

The official further disclosed that nine people, including seven children, have lost their lives, while 32 others have sustained injuries in wolf attacks across Kaisarganj and Mahsi tehsils since September 9.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the affected region on September 27, issuing directives that wolves attacking humans should be safely captured, and if capture proved impossible, they should be shot.

Since September 28, forest department personnel have shot four wolves as part of ongoing efforts to address the human-wildlife conflict in the area.