The Bhitarkanika National Park will remain closed for tourists and locals from May 1 to July 31 in view of the breeding and nesting activities of estuarine crocodiles during this time, informed Mangrove Forest Division (Wildlife), Rajnagar, Dr Jangyadatta Pati.
Forest personnel have spotted 70 crocodile nests in the Kanika Forest Range, 10 nests in Rajnagar range and two each in Mahakalpara and Gahirmatha ranges.
As many as 1,784 crocodiles are housed in the Bhitarkanika National Park.