A peaceful night in Pedhvada village, in Gir-Somnath district of Gujarat, turned into a tense situation on Thursday night when eight lions wandered into the village. The lions slowly walked through the narrow lane at night, which startled and scared the villagers.
Pedhvada is located near Gir National Park, the only natural home of Asiatic lions in the world. While people living next to the park may occasionally see lions, it is unusual for a pride to enter a village all at once. This situation posed a serious threat to the local villagers.
What Happened In Pedhvada Village
During the nighttime, eight lions, including a lioness, were seen wandering through the village. Initially, they appeared relaxed. But then, upon spotting some cattle resting near the road, the lioness pounced into action and killed a cow. This caused panic among the villagers.
The lions stayed in the village for several hours. Some of the lions attempted to enter houses. People in the village locked their doors fast and went to the rooftops. Some were taking videos of the lions on their mobile devices, while others referenced their homes’ CCTV to see where the lions went.
By morning, many videos of the lions walking through Pedhvada had been posted on social media. People were astonished to see the lions moving so close to houses and shops.
Forest Department’s Action
When the forest department got the news, they sent teams to the village. Officials watched the lions carefully and told people to stay indoors until the animals left. Forest officers also patrolled the nearby areas through the night.
By early morning, the lions started returning to the forest. The forest department said that no people were hurt, but one cow had been killed.
Officials also shared that this was not the first time lions had entered a nearby village. Just two days earlier, five lions had entered Sindhj village in the same area and killed a cow. Because of these repeated incidents, the forest department has now increased patrolling and started tracking lion movements more closely.
Increase In Lion Numbers In Gujarat
Experts say that these incidents are happening more often because the number of lions in Gujarat has increased. According to the lion census done in May 2025, there are now 891 Asiatic lions in the state. In 2020, the number was 674.
The report says there are 196 male lions, 330 lionesses, and 225 cubs. The rise in numbers shows that the breeding and living conditions of lions have improved. The census was carried out between May 10 and May 13, 2025, using new methods like camera traps, drones, and digital maps.
Today, lions are found not only inside Gir National Park but also across 11 districts, including Junagadh, Gir-Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Dwarka, Porbandar, and Rajkot. The increase in their population shows that Gujarat’s conservation work has been successful. However, it also means there is a higher chance of lions and people coming into contact.
Why Lion Sightings Are Increasing Near Villages
As the lion population grows, they need more space and food. Because of this, some groups of lions are moving outside Gir National Park into nearby villages and farmlands. They often follow the smell or sight of cattle, which are easy prey for them.
For villagers, these visits can be worrying. To reduce the risk, people are advised to keep their cattle in safe enclosures at night and to inform forest officials immediately if they see lions nearby.
Visitors to Gujarat can still enjoy watching these animals safely at the Gir lion safari, where they can see lions in their natural environment under the supervision of trained guides.
The recent event in Pedhvada is a reminder that people living near forest areas should always stay alert. With proper care, awareness, and cooperation between the villagers and the forest department, both humans and lions can live safely in the same region.
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