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Crocodile Surprise: Reptile Found in Village Pond
12 Oct
Summary
- A six-foot female saltwater crocodile was rescued from a village pond.
- This is the 12th crocodile straying incident in 16 months.
- Bhitarkanika's crocodile population has significantly increased since 1974.
A six-foot female saltwater crocodile caused panic in Pentha village, located within Rajnagar forest range of Bhitarkanika National Park, after being spotted in a village pond on Sunday. Forest officials mounted a rescue operation on Monday, safely capturing the reptile using nets. The crocodile was subsequently released into the Bausagada river without sustaining any injuries or causing harm.
This event is the twelfth instance of a crocodile straying into village areas surrounding Bhitarkanika over the last sixteen months. Forest officials suspect that the reptile may have entered the pond by crossing a river embankment during a high tide. Residents have been advised to exercise caution near water bodies.
The Bhitarkanika National Park has seen remarkable success in its crocodile conservation program, which began in 1975. This initiative has reportedly increased the crocodile population from approximately 96 in 1974 to an estimated 1,858 this year, raising concerns among some residents about the growing numbers contributing to these intrusions.
