Odisha: Bhitarkanika National Park to remain closed for visitors from May 1 to July 31

Kendrapara (Odisha), April 29 -- The Bhitarkanika National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary will remain closed to tourists and local visitors from May 1 to July 31, in view of the breeding and nesting period of estuarine crocodiles.

Rajnagar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Mangrove Forest Division (Wildlife), Sudarshan Gopinath Jadhav, stated that during this period, tourist movement will be restricted in crocodile-infested areas, including the Bhitarkanika, Dangamala, and Ragadapati forest blocks.

The closure aims to prevent disturbance to the reptiles during their sensitive breeding and nesting period.

Forest officials noted that the crocodiles become more aggressive during this time, and the majority of crocodile attacks occur when ...