Hours after rescue, lioness that attacked 5 persons in Gujarat dies; rabies suspected

A lioness that attacked five individuals in Amreli district died of suspected rabies shortly after its rescue, according to forest officials. The big cat was taken to Krankach Animal Care Centre on October 2, following separate incidents of attacking four villagers and a forest department officer. It displayed unusual behavior, including biting and vocalizations, prompting its swift removal from the wild.

Within 20 hours of rescue, the lioness succumbed to its illness on October 3. Brain tissue samples have been sent to Anand Agriculture University for confirmation. Deputy Conservator of Forests Chirag Amin mentioned that initial symptoms suggested rabies as the cause, but further tests will verify this. No immediate concerns exist as the lioness was solitary, and no other lions showed similar symptoms.

Transmission can occur through infected animals consuming or biting the lion or by sharing habitats with domestic animals like dogs and cattle.