Kendrapara: In a bid to ensure the safety of tourists and protect the crocodile population, the Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district of Odisha will remain closed for visitors from May 1 to July 31. The park will be closed for three months as this is the breeding season of crocodiles, during which they become aggressive and pose a risk to tourists. Boats will not ply in Bhitarkanika during these 3 months because boating interferes with the mating process of crocodiles. After the mating process of crocodiles, mother crocodiles lay eggs. After laying eggs, mother crocodiles guard the nest in which they have laid eggs until the chicks hatch. After laying eggs, mother crocodiles become more aggressive and are likely to attack. For the safety of tourists, Bhitarkanika is closed for these three months. To mitigate this risk, the forest department has prohibited tourists from entering the park and has also suspended boating activities during this period. The department has informed the residents of riverside villages adjacent to Bhitarkanika to exercise caution while moving in the river. The Bhitarkanika National Park is expected to reopen for tourists on August 1, allowing visitors to once again explore the park’s rich biodiversity and witness the majestic crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Bhitarkanika National Park closed for 3 months due to crocodile breeding season
