Lion Injures Cattle Herder In Gujarat's Bhavnagar, Rescue Operation Underway

A cattle herder was injured after being attacked by a sub-adult Asiatic lion in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district on Monday, prompting forest authorities to launch a rescue operation in the area.

The incident took place in Garajiya village of Palitana taluka when Kalubhai Parmar had gone to feed his cattle in the morning. A video of the attack later went viral on social media, showing the lion gripping the man's arm while bystanders attempted to drive the animal away.

According to officials from the Shetrunji Wildlife Division, the area where the incident occurred is a known wildlife movement zone frequented by lions and other wild animals. Deputy Conservator of Forests Chirag Amin said preliminary findings indicate that the animal may have been provoked, creating a panic situation that possibly triggered the attack.

"The preliminary information suggests the animal would have safely passed through the area, but it appears the animal was provoked, which might have agitated it," Amin said.

Parmar was immediately shifted to a hospital in Bhavnagar for treatment. Forest department personnel were deployed at the hospital, and officials confirmed that the injured man is out of danger .

Speaking from his hospital bed, Parmar said the lion suddenly attacked him while he was feeding his cow. He claimed the animal first knocked him to the ground before biting his arm and holding on for an extended period before eventually releasing him. Parmar also alleged that the lion attempted to attack another individual, who managed to escape unharmed.

Forest officials later identified the animal seen in the viral video as a sub-adult male lion . Authorities have launched a rescue operation involving a veterinary doctor equipped with a tranquiliser gun, forest officers and support staff. Cages have been placed in the area as efforts continue to safely capture the animal and prevent further incidents.

The episode has once again highlighted the challenges of human-wildlife interaction in regions that serve as important movement corridors for Asiatic lions.