Mon Feb 17 15:31:35 UTC 2025: ## Asiatic Lion Causes Traffic Jam on Gujarat Highway
**Amreli, Gujarat –** Traffic on the Bhavnagar-Somnath Highway came to a standstill for 15 minutes today after an Asiatic lion strolled across the road in Amreli district. Drivers of cars, trucks, and motorcycles patiently waited for the majestic animal to complete its crossing. The incident, captured on video, shows the lion calmly making its way across a bridge before disappearing down a slope towards a nearby temple.
This sighting follows a recent increase in wildlife activity in the area. Just days ago, six lions and lionesses were seen in a residential area, with CCTV footage showing them chasing cattle. The growing frequency of lions venturing onto the highway has raised concerns; several lions have been injured or killed in such incidents previously. A similar event occurred recently near Dudhala village, where another lion was stopped on a bridge.
Lions straying into residential areas and preying on livestock near the Gir forest have become increasingly common. While the Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary remains the primary habitat for the world’s last remaining Asiatic lion population (over 50), the animals are now spreading across nine districts of Gujarat, covering approximately 30,000 square kilometers. While lions are typically spotted at night, this daytime highway crossing highlights the expanding range of these magnificent creatures and the ongoing need for coexistence between wildlife and human populations.
First Piper 