This is the terrifying moment a lion sauntered across a road in front of shocked drivers.

The wildcat was spotted walking on the Bhavnagar-Somnath highway in Gujarat, India.

Footage shows passing vehicles stopping on the motorway and patiently waiting for the beast to cross.

The animal can be seen gracefully making its way toward a shrine by descending the slope adjacent to the highway.

The Gir Forest in Gujarat serves as the exclusive habitat for the Asiatic lion, also known as the Persian lion. This subspecies is one of the seven lion subspecies found worldwide.

The limited population of Asiatic lions in India is believed to be a result of their migration from Baluchistan and Persia, as suggested by geologists.

Asiatic lions are social animals that are mainly active at night. They are known for being strong hunters and are most commonly found in forest habitats.