If you ever find yourself in close proximity to a tiger without a suitable barrier through which to observe them safely, recognize that you are in danger. Avoid areas where a tiger may be present whenever possible. If you come across a tiger, take the necessary precautions to reduce the likelihood of an attack. These precautions were made public after a tiger killed a man in Georgia.
After tigers escaped from a Georgia zoo and killed a man, instructions were issued on what to do if you encounter a tiger, including: don’t approach it, don’t run away, and don’t urinate on it.
What to Do When You Encountered a Tiger?
Because tigers are such skilled hunters, they can ambush their prey. Tigers will wait above their intended prey and then pounce when the time is right. So here are some tips that may help when you encounter a Tiger
- Do not run. Tigers, like all cats, enjoy a good chase. An elephant in Bandhavgarh national park was startled by tigers in the long grass and threw its mahout to the ground before fleeing. The mahout fought his instincts and slowly edged backward, one tiny step at a time, out of the tall grass, knowing that there were at least three tigers nearby. It took him two hours, but he made it out alive.
- Approach it with caution. Tigers, particularly captive tigers, will be terrified and agitated by the unusual setting. Keep your distance.
- Get yourself to a high vantage point. Tigers are not natural climbers and will not follow you up a tree.
- Raise your head. Tigers cannot distinguish between crouched humans, warthogs, and deer. This is why many villagers have been attacked while collecting wood from tiger reserves.
- Do not provoke the tiger. After discovering a tiger in his home, an elderly man in Bandhavgarh died while attempting to scare it away with a stick. When attacked, tigers will defend themselves, and very few will flee.
- Urinate outside of a tiger’s territory. Tigers mark their territories, and the tiger will perceive you as a threat if you do.
- Keep away from injured or elderly tigers. They are more likely to attack and come into contact with humans more frequently as they hunt for easy prey, which is often domestic livestock.
(Source: The Guardian)
Should You Jump in Water to Escape A Possible Attack?
Despite popular belief that all cats fear water, tigers are excellent swimmers who will go into the water to cool off. Jumping into the water to save yourself from a tiger is pointless.
What would happen if you jumped into the water? First and foremost, the tiger will charge at you and practically crush you beneath its weight. They can jump over 33 feet. Even if you go a long distance, the tiger can cross up to 18 miles or 29 kilometers of water and catch you.
There is a slim chance of escaping if you go deep below the surface and wait until the tiger loses interest. However, you never know if the tiger will be waiting for you when you get back up. (Source: The Guardian)
Image from R3.Rappler