Suspected Grey Wolf Spotted On Delhi Streets After 80 Years, Rare Sighting Sparks Shock And Awe

A rare and surprising sighting has stirred excitement among wildlife enthusiasts in Delhi. On the morning of May 15, 2025, Hemant Garg, a dedicated wildlife photographer, captured images of an animal resembling the Indian grey wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) along the Yamuna floodplains near Palla, where Delhi meets Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

According to DTE, Garg, who regularly explores the bund road in the area, said he was sure it wasn’t an ordinary animal. “I knew it was not a dog,” he said, recalling the moment. “Someone nearby told me it was a jackal, but I knew that wasn’t right either. It was too big, and its muzzle was much stronger and broader than a jackal’s.” Over the years, Garg has photographed various wild species near Delhi, including leopards, hyenas, civets, snakes, and pythons. “I’ve seen enough to know when something stands out,” he said.

The animal was seen briefly along the riverbank before disappearing into the tall grasses. Wildlife experts and naturalists have since analysed Garg’s photos, trying to confirm if it really was a grey wolf.

Naturalist Surya Ramachandran said, “From the side profile, it does appear to be a wolf. We suspect it may have traveled along the Yamuna, possibly from the Chambal region.”

Dr. Suryaprakash, a zoologist from Jawaharlal Nehru University, pointed out the importance of the location. “Delhi lies between two major wolf habitats — the Yamuna plains and the Aravalli belt stretching into Rajasthan. Wolves are shy and smart hunters. They usually avoid humans but sometimes live near villages to hunt livestock.”

However, confirming the identity of the animal isn’t simple. Leading wildlife scientist YV Jhala noted that while the creature looks "wolfish," its darker fur and curved tail suggest it could be part dog. “It does look like a wolf,” he said, “but the dark colour and tail shape hint at dog gene introversion. Without a genetic test, we can’t be certain.”

Hybridisation between wolves and feral dogs is becoming more common, mainly because of shrinking forests and rising dog populations. Interestingly, there have been no confirmed sightings of grey wolves in Delhi since the 1940s. A 2014 report by forester GN Sinha stated the species hadn’t been seen in the region in over 80 years.

The Delhi forest department is yet to confirm the sighting. A senior official said, “We will look into it,” adding that no recent records of grey wolves exist in Delhi.

Still, this possible wolf encounter has sparked both hope and curiosity among wildlife lovers. If confirmed, it would mark a historic return of a species long believed to have vanished from the city’s wild landscape.