A pack of wolves is being hunted down in northern India following the killing of two children in recent weeks.
Forest department staff and inhabitants from some 50 villages are searching an area around Lal ganj, in Uttar Pradesh state, in an attempt to eliminate the animals.
"The children were lifted while they were sleeping", Mr R.L. Singh, chief wildlife warden in the region, said. "Two other children were killed earlier in the year. We know it was wolves from the paw prints at the site," he said, and from the "bodies of the children".
The wolves are thought to belong to a pack which has been attacking humans since 1997. They have devoured 41 children and injured 28. A dozen wolves have been exterminated.
"Wolves hunt in packs of 12 to 15 animals so we know there are at most only a few left," Mr Singh said. "We've got about 150 men - forestry officials, armed hunters and local villagers - on the lookout for them. They're lying in wait for them at night around villages where the animals are next expected to attack but it's not easy. Wolves are very clever. They don't fall for bait."