Two injured in crocodile attack in Orissa

A crocodile in Bhitarkanika

KalingaTimes Correspondent
Kendrapara (Orissa), May 5: In the latest outbreak of man-wildlife conflict within the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, two persons, both from the fishermen community, were injured following attack by violent salt-water crocodiles since last 48 hours.

On the other hand, there are also reports of agitated locals in villages of Rajkanika and Rajnagar tehsil launching counter attack on these violent species.


The lethal assault by the preying reptiles and consequent retaliatory attack by humans has become a permanent feature in this part of the state. The continuing mayhem claims about a dozen of human and animals' lives each year. This year, crocs have so far gobbled up two persons.

Both the croc attacks were reported in Mahuri and Bajarpur villages on the downstream of Baitarani river of Rajkanika tehsil. The two separate mishaps took place when the victims, traditional fisherman, had ventured into the river with hand net in tow.

Furious saltwater species had pounced upon them. Both managed to escape from crocs' claws. In the process, they were maimed. The injured, undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital, are stated out of danger.

As it is breeding season of crocs, the species have turned restive and violent, said forest officials.

As the reign of terror let loose by the estuarine species in numerous creeks and water-inlets of Khola and Petshala rivulets, bordering the wildlife sanctuary, fear and panic has stalked the estimated 50,000 inhabitants of a dozen of hamlets in and around the Bhitarkanika.

Residents also attacked the preying crocodiles injuring at least 5 of these species since last three months even though there is no official confirmation of reptiles getting injured.

The number of crocodiles in Bhitarkanika river system has been on a steady rise with the latest census indicating more than 1,400 species inhabiting in the water bodies.

The animals in the wake of depleted food reserve in the river system stray into nearby rivulets and nullahs. With the water bodies located in the vicinity of human settlements, the crocodiles prey on humans who fish in troubled waters.

While violent behavioral instinct of crocodiles is under observation of wildlife experts, people are of the view that massive upswing in number of crocodiles has upset their food chain following palpable reduction aquatic lives. The species, hit by hunger syndrome, feast on humans, experts believe.

 

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