Tigers are both worshiped and dreaded for very obvious reasons. It is said that one must refrain from troubling the injured or sick tiger as they are considered to be extremely hostile.
With the increase in deforestation and forest land encroachments, the wildlife is left with no choice but to migrate to our concrete jungles. This has significantly led to an increase in the number of fatalities involving the loss of life on both sides. We occasionally forget the mantra of “to live and let live” and this has grave consequences. Many travelers, zoo keepers, children, farmers, etc have been injured or even killed in the Tiger attacks.
Let's have a forensic overview of Tiger attacks and let us go through some ‘Dos and Don’ts’ when dealing with the Tigers.
Tigers (Panthera tigris) are apex predators - meaning that you must not mess with them!
India has the largest tiger population and is also the National animal of the country. Tigers are nocturnal hunters (which doesn’t mean they won’t attack in the daylight) and they usually ambush their prey from behind intending to overpower them.
Tigers usually attack the neck and use their body weight to pin their prey down or to wrestle until they die in agony (Strangulation). The claws and the canines inflict deep, penetrating injuries to the neck. They have an extremely strong jaw, strong enough to crush the bones. The muscles and tissues are usually penetrated, crushed, and distended ferociously by the canines.
Some commonly seen injuries are:
Tearing of Muscles, Esophagus, Trachea
Severing of Jugular vein, Carotid vessels, etc
Fracture/maceration of Cervical vertebrae (C2-C5)
The Tigers tend to jerk their heads violently after biting the victims in their neck which can lead to a complete tear of the spine and vertebral arteries, especially rupturing the carotid arteries. After killing their prey, the tigers tend to drag the carcass
What to do in case you encounter a Tiger?
Try to remain calm, do not look the tiger in its eyes, walk back slowly, and do not turn your back towards the Tiger. Avoid running.
Make yourself look stronger and broader, rather than crouching down, try not to look weak as it increases the chance of being attacked. Who doesn't enjoy an easy hunt?
Make noise with whatever you have, you may use a firearm, flare gun, air horns, metal/glass objects, etc. - unfamiliar and loud noise can frighten a tiger off.
DO NOT play dead, if the tiger attacks you, use anything in your reach to shield or defend yourself, and use the force and strength to fight back. If you succeed to survive, immediately try to stop bleeding as most deaths are due to excess blood loss.
The best survival chance is by injuring or frightening the tiger away.
Do not approach the tiger if it's walking away from you, avoid throwing stones or objects at the tiger as it will make it more furious. Tigers use aggression against aggression.
You can throw the objects away from yourself to distract the animal while hiding at a considerably safe place. Avoid loud gestures/actions.
Do thorough research about the place (forest/jungle) before stepping into it. Seek help from the local guides and communities.
Be silent in case you spot a tiger or any big animal, avoid being noticed to avoid being eaten.
Always carry a First Aid kit, weapons, fire, or other equipment to defend yourself and others.
It has been observed that wearing a two-faced mask can save you from tigers as they avoid attacking unfamiliar objects.
If you are attacked, try injuring the weaker spots of the tiger such as the eyes, and nose, and if you have a sharp object try going for the neck. Be careful while using your arms for defense, and try hard to avoid being bitten in the neck. While fighting hit the tiger with all your strength and keep making loud noises, use whatever you have to injure the animal.
If you are attacked, immediately seek medical attention as there is a high risk of severe bacterial infections. (Tiger’s mouth contains numerous bacteria)
Mythological and Cultural perspective
The tiger: as a spirit animal - inspires us to become the master of our field or even mastery over ourselves. Tigers are considered important in various Mythologies; in Mahabharata they are considered to be fiercer and more ruthless than the lion.
Tiger is the Indian Goddess, Durga’s Vahan (Vehicle), this symbolizes the union between the Powerful and sacred Feminine force and mother nature. The Naga tribes believe that the Tiger is the man’s brother, so they avoid killing the animal. Similar references can be found in various cultures and religions, especially in the places where people live close to nature (where the incidences of Tiger attacks are frequent and overwhelming).
In Christianity, the Tiger represents wrath, royalty, and fearlessness. Tigers are also known as elegant and beautiful species because of their stripes and vibrant orange color, Warli paintings depict the beauty of this animal (considered as a symbol of fierceness, fertility, and the protector of harvest).
Tyger Tyger, burning bright, In the forests of the night; What immortal hand or eye, Could frame thy fearful symmetry?William Blakes's poem “Tyger” speaks out about the valor and dreadfulness of the animal.
Message: Don't be STUPID to trouble one, and if you have already done that, be BRAVE enough to fight it off.
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