Massive Crocodile Captured at Puri Beach After Epic 100-Km Journey
In a remarkable wildlife incident, forest officials from Bhitarkanika National Park successfully captured a 10-foot-long male saltwater crocodile from Jahania sea beach in Puri district on Sunday afternoon. The operation, which lasted four hours, concluded without any injuries to humans or the reptile.
Social Media Alert Leads to Swift Action
The crocodile was first spotted by locals and tourists on Saturday, creating immediate concern. Several tourists photographed and recorded videos of the massive reptile, which quickly went viral on social media platforms. This digital alert prompted swift action from authorities.
"We contacted forest officials of Bhitarkanika immediately after spotting the crocodile," said Monalisa Mohapatra, the forest range officer of Astaranga. "The presence of such a large predator near a popular tourist beach required urgent intervention."
An Unprecedented Migration Pattern
What makes this incident particularly extraordinary is the crocodile's journey. According to forest officials, the reptile is believed to have traveled approximately 100 kilometers from its natural habitat in Bhitarkanika to reach the Puri beach.
"The crocodile must have crossed the Barunei river mouth near Bhitarkanika and entered the sea before eventually reaching the beach," explained Manas Kumar Das, assistant conservator of forest (ACF) at Bhitarkanika. "We safely released it into the Patasala river within Bhitarkanika on Monday after the capture."
Expert Insights on Crocodile Behavior
Dr. Sudhakar Kar, a renowned crocodile researcher, provided crucial context about this unusual occurrence. "Saltwater crocodiles typically inhabit rivers and cannot survive long in the salty waters of the sea," he noted. "While crocodiles occasionally stray from their traditional territories, this marks the first recorded instance of one traveling all the way from Bhitarkanika to the distant Puri district."
The researcher emphasized that such long-distance marine journeys are extremely rare for this species, making this event scientifically significant.
Tourist Safety Concerns Addressed
Jahania beach is a significant tourist destination in Odisha, attracting daily visitors who enjoy its scenic beauty and nearby mangrove and casuarina forests. The sudden appearance of a large crocodile raised immediate safety concerns.
"Many tourists were swimming in the sea on Saturday but immediately exited the water once news spread about the crocodile's presence," reported Bichitrananda Biswal, a local resident of Jahania. The quick response from both locals and authorities prevented any potential incidents.
Successful Relocation Operation
The forest department's capture operation demonstrated effective wildlife management. The crocodile showed no aggression toward humans during the capture process and remained unharmed throughout the four-hour procedure. After being secured, it was transported back to Bhitarkanika on Monday for release into a suitable river habitat.
This incident highlights the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and human safety in coastal regions, while showcasing the expertise of Odisha's forest department in handling such challenging situations.
