Lion's Urban Adventure: Walking Nonchalantly On A Busy Road

Lion sightings are not uncommon in the human settlements surrounding Gujarat's Gir National Park. Locals frequently see these gorgeous creatures roaming around quietly, and such sightings have been documented on various cameras.

One such video is also making the rounds on the internet; have a look here:

A lion casually walks on a road as vehicles pass by

Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein ...
Lion enjoying the rain and taking a stroll on the flyover. Gujarat pic.twitter.com/GLqQez49Mq

¡ª Susanta Nanda (@susantananda3) July 24, 2023

In the most recent incident, a lion was seen taking a stroll in the rain. The hectic traffic on the road did not seem to bother the majestic beast, as it continued to stroll unabated. Passersby were taken aback when they saw the lion on the road, and a car can also be seen coming to a halt.

The incredible 13-second video of this unexpected meeting, shared on Twitter by an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, Susanta Nanda, soon went viral on social media, with many sharing it in conjunction with the state's high rainfall and floods.

¡°Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein ¡­Lion enjoying the rain and taking a stroll on the flyover. Gujarat,¡± read the tweet accompanying the video.

The clip astounded viewers, who couldn't help but get chills at the sight of this awe-inspiring and nerve-wracking incident. Here's what people wrote.

It's very common in Gujarat for Lions and humans strolling in eachother's territory ? but this one maybe due to heavy rains and flooding in Gir and surrounding areas

¡ª Madhavraj Gaglani (@MadhavRaj741012) July 24, 2023

I am curious! What happened next???

¡ª AKASH R (@AKASHR70007844) July 24, 2023

This is scary both for the lion and motorists. Sad state of affairs.

¡ª Amrita Warrier (@AmritaW) July 24, 2023

this is the naya bharat i would always be dreaming of, jai hind, jai ma bharati, unbelievably absolutely wonderful job by forest department

¡ª sudhir tiwari (@sudhir10863) July 25, 2023

Lions look good in jungles as much as humans look good in cities. For the betterment of both, they should be confined to their own habitats.

¡ª Sonali Das (@SonaliD82403754) July 24, 2023

Urban animal intrusion is often encountered in Gujarat

Twitter Screengrab

Other than Africa, the Gir National Park in Gujarat is the only site where a lion can be seen in its natural habitat. This gorgeous animal in Gir is 2.75 metres long on average, with a larger tail tassel, bushier elbow tufts, and noticeable belly folds. The national park also has 40 mammal species and 425 bird species.

Urban wildlife, also known as urban animal intrusion, refers to the phenomenon of wild animals entering cities and suburban areas. This occurrence is primarily driven by human-induced factors such as habitat loss due to urban development, which leads wildlife to seek new sources of food and shelter.

Cities provide a readily available food supply through garbage and human-produced waste, as well as water sources like ponds and artificial water bodies. Additionally, the urban heat island effect can attract animals seeking relief from extreme temperatures. Some species have demonstrated adaptability to urban environments, utilising buildings and green spaces as alternative habitats.

Lack of natural predators in cities may also contribute to animals exploring these new territories. While urban wildlife can enrich urban ecosystems, it can also lead to conflicts and risks for both humans and animals.

Balancing urban development with wildlife conservation is crucial for promoting coexistence and implementing wildlife-friendly measures in urban planning.

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