Wolves Among Us

Although it is on the endangered species list, the wolf exists in many areas around the world. In the 90s, it came as a shock to those who study wolves that under certain circumstances the predators could become man-eaters. News out of Northern India in the mid 90s upset the widely held notion that wolves are not a danger to man. In August of 1997, CNN reported that wolves in India killed more than 50 children and wounded or maimed several dozen more. The Indian government tried without success to trap the offenders by stationing sharp shooters at water holes and other areas where they had been seen. Even though three were killed the attacks continued. The Indian government maintained that there were fewer than 2000 in India, even fewer numbers than the tiger. However, scientists also discovered that if one member of a pack became a man-eater, the entire pack is liable to adopt the same behavior. The New York Times recorded that wolves killed 33 children and seriously mauled 20 others in Uttar Pradesh, India from April to September 1996. British officials recorded 624 human killings by wolves in this area. The Associated Press reported “In one year alone, during the 1980s, more than 100 deaths were attributed to wolves in India.” Recently, Discovery Channel presented a documentary on the man-eating Indian wolves. Showing horribly mauled children who survived the attacks, the program also talked to the parents of children who had not survived. These mothers and fathers related stories of how their children were dragged from their beds or stalked and carried off while separated from adults...more

An oldie but a goody.