The Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district would be closed for tourists from May 15 till July 31 due to the nesting season of crocodiles.
Crocodiles mate between February and April and their nesting takes place in May. Since the crocodiles tend to become violent during the nesting season, it is always advisable to stay away from these wild animals, forest officials said. Bhitarkanika, an internationally-acclaimed wetland, is home to about 1,600 saltwater crocodiles.
In mid-April, the Forest Department had lifted the ban on night stay of tourists at the national park, which was imposed following an attack by miscreants on forest officials in January. The department has now made it mandatory for visitors and tourists to carry proof of identity necessary for securing an entry permit.