Paradip, July 12: Fear has gripped local residents as crocodiles have made their way into the Sandhakuda creek and its peripheral water inlets on the outskirts of the port town.

The forest department has sounded an alert asking people, mostly fishermen, to strictly stay away from the water bodies.

"Estuarine crocodiles, abundantly found in the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, have been sighted in water bodies near Paradip. The crocodiles have so far caused no harm to any humans or domesticated animals. However, the sighting of the reptiles has caused panic among the local people. As a precautionary measure, we have requested the people, mainly fishermen, to remain cautious while venturing into water bodies," said Kujang forest range officer Pratap Chandra Mohanty.

The water bodies traversing through Paradip owe their connectivity to the Bhitarkanika National Park's saltwater river system. Salinity marks the water contents of Sandhakuda and other creeks in Paradip.

"That's why, the animals might have strayed into the said water bodies during high tide. The forest department is keeping tabs on the crocs. We will engage our service groups of skilled fishermen from Bhitarkanika to chase away the animals to their original habitats," said Rajnagar mangrove (forest) division officer Bimal Prasanna Acharya.

The crocs used to stray in search of food and would leave the place for their original habitat within a few days, said the wildlife personnel.

"We are scared of the crocodiles. The government should immediately drive away the animals to ensure our safety," said an inland fisherman living at a village adjacent to the Sandhakuda creek, Radhakant Biswal.

"The possible acts of violence by estuarine crocodiles loom large as the animals' breeding season is still on. The villagers in Kendrapara district have been asked to remain extra-cautious and not to enter the vulnerable water bodies," said a forest department official.