12 injured in jackal attack in UP's Pilibhit as wolf menace escalates in Bahraich
PTC News Desk: At least 12 people, including five children, sustained injuries following attacks by a pack of jackals in two villages in Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit district.
The incidents occurred in the Suswar and Pansoli villages within the Jahanabad area. According to local reports, the jackals initially targeted children playing outside their homes. When several elderly villagers intervened to protect the children, they too were attacked by the aggressive wild animals.
All 12 victims were subsequently admitted to the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Jahanabad, where they are receiving medical treatment for their injuries. In response to the attacks, local residents managed to kill one of the jackals.
Upon learning of the jackal attacks, teams from both the local administration and the forest department promptly arrived at the scene to investigate the incidents.
The jackal attacks in Pilibhit come amid a broader wildlife crisis in the region. In neighboring Bahraich district, wolf attacks have resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including several children. Additionally, approximately 36 individuals—comprising women, children, and the elderly—have been injured in these attacks.
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District Forest Officer (DFO) Manish Singh clarified that initial reports mistakenly identified the attackers as wolves. However, it has been confirmed that jackals were responsible for the recent incidents in Pilibhit. Singh explained that the aggressive behavior of the jackals could be attributed to recent heavy rains, which have flooded their natural habitats, and the mating season, during which they are known to exhibit heightened aggression.
"We are closely monitoring the situation. The recent flooding and the mating period have caused these jackals to become more aggressive. Our team is working diligently to address the situation and ensure the safety of the residents," Singh said.
In response to the attacks, Pilibhit MP Jitin Prasada has reached out to local residents to offer support and discuss the ongoing situation over the phone.
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- With inputs from agencies
