Considered world’s second largest rookery for Olive Ridley sea turtles, citing of over 20 carcasses on the beach has left the animal lovers and locals worried. K Ramulu, a villager, said they never saw such a huge number of carcasses in past. Stray dogs and birds were seen feasting on the carcasses, he added.

Receiving information, forest officials rushed to the spot. However, Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer Asish Kumar Behera said only three turtles, two near Patisunapur and one at Ramayapatana beach were found dead two days back.

The carcasses were buried by forest staff and the dogs might have pulled those out, he added. On the other hand locals suspect that use of more motor-operated boats for fishing might have left the turtles injured which could have died later.