The lethal assault by the preying reptiles and consequent retaliatory attack by humans has become a permanent feature in this part of the state. The continuing mayhem claims about a dozen of human and animal lives each year.

"We have received report of crocodiles attacking two persons outside the national park. The other incidents might have occurred in prohibited sanctuary area and the department has not been informed of it," the forest officials said.

The injured persons would be entitled for compensation grant of the state forest department.

With the reign of terror let loose by the estuarine species in numerous creeks and water-inlets of Khola and Petshala rivulets, bordering the wildlife sanctuary, fear and panic has stalked the estimated 50,000 inhabitants of a dozen of hamlets in and around the Bhitarkanika.

Residents also attacked the preying crocodiles injuring at least five of these species since last three months even though there was no official confirmation of reptiles getting injured.

The number of crocodiles in Bhitarkanika river system has been on a steady rise. The animals in the wake of depleted food reserve in the river system stray into nearby rivulets and nullahs.

With the water bodies located in the vicinity of human settlements, the crocodiles prey on humans who fish in troubled waters.

While violent behavioural instinct of crocodiles is under observation of wildlife experts, people are of the view that massive upswing in number of crocodiles has upset their food chain following palpable reduction in aquatic lives.