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Originally Posted by moralfibre How do you protect yourself in case the tigers attack? |
Very good question. I asked the same during my visit to Corbett and a couple of guys who work the ranges said the same thing
1. We are NOT a part of the Tiger's food chain. Which means everytime a Tiger sees you in the forest it does not salivate
2. Wild animals generally are shy and fear humans
3. Unless an animal feels threatened it won't attack
4. Often a Tiger will try to call a bluff by a mock charge only to send a warning that your presence/proximity is not welcome
5. In the event you do confront an aggressive animal stand tall, raise arms and make noise. Don't run as it encourages the animal to attack. If you are in a open Jeep stand in the car.
6. If you are in a car and are confronted by a Tiger and its walking toward you try to reverse and eventually allow it its way.
7. If the animal is aggravated and launches a full fledged attack and you have no way to exit from the situation face the animal and fight it with whatever you can have.
Apart from the above the following are some primary precautions one must take to reduce chances of aggravating a wild animal
1. Wear clothing that blends with the foliage and does not cause visual noise. Wearing bright coloured clothing is a strict NO NO
2. Never go into a forest alone without a guide. Its plain suicidal.
3. Noise ensures wild animals stay away from you. So if you wish to sight animals stay very quiet and move gently
4. In Tiger country never walk into a forest. In a car you are perceived as a larger creature. Also the animals become familiar with ranger cars and don't perceive them as threats. Just see the pictures from Fazal's recent trip. You have a wild Tiger on its back relaxing like a house cat would do. It implies it was perfectly at ease in the presence of the cars and people watching. Its become used to this and does not perceive a threat
5. Never carry food in open containers as it may attract unnecessary attention of wild animals. Rangers in parks in the US state that food at camp sites is the single biggest cause for man animal conflict (bear attacks)
6. Don't play music or talk loud in a forest
7. Avoide smoking as a casual cigarette can trigger a devastating fire
Disclaimer: Neither am I a wild life expert nor a forest conservator. I have only repeated what I have heard from people who actually work in these forests. I too don't believe in being foolhardy and taking chances, hence I made an attempt to understand some of these basics.
For your kind info many a foreign tourist has been attacked and killed in Tiger country in India because they get too carried away and compromise the above safety standards. Much of the news doesn't get advertised because it gives the sanctuary a bad name
In summary these are extraordinarily powerful animals that can rip a human apart in no time. They are not cute pets to be made friends with. You MUST maintain a respectful distance from all wild animals and not aggravate them in any way. If you take these basic precautions you really need not fear for your safety as much as you don't need to fear for your life while on a highway observing traffic rules.
If you observe basic forest ettiquete the chances of your getting hurt/attacked are very remote. I know people who have been in the presence of Tigers in many sanctuaries many a time and for decades now. For them its only been an experience of awe, joy and sheer beauty.
PS: If I have missed out anything Fazal please do add as this question is very relevant for all prospective visitors