Just days after a two-year-old boy named Ayush was dragged from his home and killed by a suspected wild animal in Mahasi, Bahraich district, forest officials captured a female wolf—bringing some relief to a region haunted by past wolf attacks.

The incident on June 3 sent shockwaves through the area, echoing last year’s fear when a pack of wolves killed eight people and injured at least 18 across 35 villages. The victim’s remains have been sent to the Wildlife Institute of India in Dehradun for DNA analysis to confirm whether a wolf was indeed responsible.

Using thermal drones, the forest team tracked and captured the animal near Sardal Ka Pachasa village, only 3 km from where the fatal attack occurred. “We acted quickly due to the anger among villagers. There was a real threat that the animal might be killed by locals,” said Bahraich Divisional Forest Officer Ajeet Kumar Singh.

The wolf is currently undergoing medical tests, and while it’s still unconfirmed if this is the exact animal involved in Ayush’s death, officials say capturing it was essential to prevent further panic.

During last year’s Operation Bhediya, six wolves were caught after drone footage ruled out jackals and identified wolves as the killers. The latest incident has now reignited fears and raised demands for stronger wildlife surveillance and safety in human settlements.