Amreli: A suspected rabid lion created panic near the Jafrabad Range Forest Department office on Babarkot Road in Jafrabad taluka after attacking a biker and chasing vehicles on the road before dying.

According to reports, a biker, Vishalbhai Baraiya, was attacked by the lion while passing through Babarkot Road. He sustained minor injuries in the attack and was shifted to a hospital for treatment. The lion also reportedly chased a passing rickshaw, causing it to overturn. However, no injuries were reported in that incident.

Following the attacks, the Jafrabad Range Forest Department team rushed to the spot and temporarily closed the road as a precautionary measure. Before the forest department’s veterinary team could tranquilize and capture the animal, the lion suddenly collapsed and died on the spot near the forest department office.

The forest department later shifted the carcass to the Babarkot Animal Care Centre. Samples have been collected and will be sent to a laboratory to determine the exact cause of death.

Speaking about the incident, the DCF of the Shetrunji Range said the male lion, estimated to be between five and nine years old, was suspected to have died due to rabies. He explained that rabies symptoms may not be immediately visible when an animal is otherwise strong and healthy. However, once the disease affects the nervous system, symptoms can appear suddenly and aggressively, as was the case with this lion. DeshGujarat