Crocodile Threat Looms in Odisha: Rising Predations in Coastal Villages

In a tragic incident on Friday, a 37-year-old woman fell victim to a saltwater crocodile attack in Odisha's Kendrapara district. She was fishing at the Gobari riverbed near Benakanda village when the crocodile struck without warning, taking her into the depths.

According to Santanu Kumar Dalei, forest range officer, the attack caught the victim by surprise, and she was unable to escape the crocodile's grasp. Joint search operations by forest and fire personnel are ongoing to locate the missing woman.

This incident highlights a rising trend in human-crocodile conflicts in villages surrounding the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, where reptile attacks result in several fatalities yearly. Residents suggest the increase in crocodile numbers may be a contributing factor to this escalating danger.

(With inputs from agencies.)