Rajnagar: In a shocking incident, the body of a Baula crocodile was found floating in the river flowing through the Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district.
The body of the Baula crocodile was found near the Junagadi Junusanagar Rabaneswar village near the Patasali river. The crocodile was found to be 10-feet long. The reason behind the death of the crocodile is yet to be ascertained.
Bhitarkanika National Park is currently closed for visitors from May 1 to July 31 as this the time for the breeding of the crocodiles. During this time the crocodiles turn fierce and protective.
Boats will not ply in Bhitarkanika during these 3 months because boating interferes with the mating process of crocodiles. After the mating process of crocodiles, mother crocodiles lay eggs. After laying eggs, mother crocodiles guard the nest in which they have laid eggs until the chicks hatch. After laying eggs, mother crocodiles become more aggressive and are likely to attack. For the safety of tourists, Bhitarkanika is closed for these three months.
To mitigate this risk, the forest department has prohibited tourists from entering the park and has also suspended boating activities during this period. The department has informed the residents of riverside villages adjacent to Bhitarkanika to exercise caution while moving in the river.
