Trending: Lioness And Cubs Walk Down The Busy Amreli Highway At Night

A video of a lioness and her three cubs unflappably crossing the Pipavav Port highway in Gujarat’s Amreli district is getting attention on social media. As per the clip, the lion family casually walked across the busy road, causing panic and awe among the people. This has also raised concerns about lion-human interactions and highway safety.The incident occurred on February 4.

The footage shows the majestic animals unfazed by the heavy traffic, with a motorcycle rider even making a hasty U-turn as the lioness observes him with apparent curiosity. This incident highlights the growing presence of lions in the Amreli coastal belt, an area increasingly favourable for their survival but posing challenges for human-wildlife coexistence, Free Press Journal report suggests.

While the video instigates fascination with these royal creatures, it also sparks tension, particularly among drivers who regularly navigate this highway buzzing with tankers, dumpers and other commercial vehicles. The surge in the lion-related incidents has the forest department on edge, concerned about the safety of both lions and humans during night time crossings.

“The presence of lions in the coastal belt is a new development. While Gir National Park remains their primary habitat, their expansion into other areas necessitates proactive measures to ensure the safety of both humans and lions,” explained a forest official.

This is not the only incident. Lions are increasingly being spotted on various highways in Amreli, with their presence documented in numerous videos. The Pipavav Port highway, in particular, poses a significant risk due to its constant heavy vehicle movement.

“As lion populations thrive, ensuring their safety while safeguarding human lives becomes paramount. The Pipavav Port highway incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for proactive measures to address this growing concern and create a harmonious balance for both humans and wildlife in the region” said a wildlife activist in Rajkot as quoted by Free Press Journal.

Recently, a video, showing a lion casually walking on a flyover in Gujarat’s Junagadh amid heavy rainfall had gone viral. The big cat was seen calmly walking down the road as commuters crossed by. Some vehicles even stop midway to take pictures of the ‘king of the beasts’.