Kendrapara, Aug. 31: Two days after a person was killed by a crocodile near Bhitarkanika National Park, a 55-year-old woman was attacked while she was talking a bath in the Brahmani river at Naladia village in Rajnagar on Saturday.

Other than crocodiles, wild boar and spotted deer have also triggered panic among villagers living close to the forest area.

The mishap took place when the victim, Draupadi Pradhan, was taking a bath in the river. The crocodile tried to drag her deep into the water body, but a group of women standing nearby rescued her. Pradhan sustained multiple injuries and was admitted to government-run Aul community health centre. She is out of danger, hospital sources said. The state forest department is bearing the cost of her treatment, said forest officials.

On Thursday, Baula Pradhan was killed by a crocodile in Ajagarpatia village near Bhitarkanika National Park.

“We are living in danger. We will be forced to kill the crocodiles. Residents are aware of the fact that killing of animals is an offence, but they are left with little option. Lethal assault by the reptiles and consequent retaliatory attacks by the villagers have become a regular feature here. Many people and domestic animals lose their lives each year as a result of the conflict,” said villagers of Ostia.

Forest personnel, however, are of the view that residents are exposing themselves to crocodile attack by disregarding precautionary warning, said a forest official.

“The forest department has initiated a series of measures to save human and domesticated animals. Over a two-dozen riverside spots were identified as danger zones that are frequented by reptiles. Experts have also been pressed into service to drive away crocodiles from places of human habitation. The forest department has announced fiscal incentive award on information provided on reptile intrusion,” Kedar Kumar Swain, divisional forest officer of Rajnagar mangrove (wildlife) forest division, said.