The carcass of a 15-foot estuarine crocodile was today found by the Bhitarkanika National Park officials from near a river bridge under Rajnagar police station jurisdiction, forest officials said.
The reptile's carcass was spotted near Hansina river bridge. The carcass has been handed over to veterinary surgeons who would later conduct post mortem to ascertain the exact cause of its death, they said.
The forest officials, however, informed that there was external injury marks on the animal's body indicating it might have been killed either by fishermen or the local people.
Nesting season of salt-water crocodiles is now at its peak.
There has been marked rise in crocodiles attacking humans. At least two human casualties have been registered since past fortnight following crocodile attack.
That's why, residents living along the river-side villages have been instructed not to venture into crocodile infested water bodies, they said.
For bathing purpose, the forest department has erected bamboo barricades at over 50 river ghats to ensure the safety of people.
1,649 estuarine crocodiles were enumerated living along the Bhitarkanika's water bodies this year.
