PANAJI
The death of a buffalo in the Carambolim lake, which locals suspect to have been caused by crocodiles, has instilled fear in the community living on the lake's periphery.
The dead buffalo was found floating in the lake some days back and several locals rushed there as word spread fast in the neighbourhood.
Wildlife division officials of the Forest department have been informed of the episode, locals said, adding that crocodiles population in the lake and nearby water bodies and marshes have spiked tremendously in recent times.
One estimate pegged the crocodile population of the lake itself in the region of 200.
Sightings of crocodiles gliding on water surfaces and also basking on mud flats are common in the lake and also the Cumbharjua canal and a mainstay of Goa's wildlife and eco-tourism activity.
While there have been reports in the past of attacks on animals, crocodile attacks on humans are unheard of in Goa.
