Let the beast feast in peace

I started with a cup of black tea at five in the morning, tired from yesterday’s fieldwork but curious to explore the day ahead. It was a typical field day in the jungles of central India. I was searching for tiger spoors (track, trail, droppings or scent of an animal) with local forest staff. We got the news that there is a day-old kill (a prey animal killed by a predator, here a tiger) in one of the ranges. We headed towards the location later, accompanied by the respective beat officer and two of his subordinates.

It was early September, and we were delighted with multiple spells of monsoon showers. We were on foot. Last night, heavy rain had made the jungle waterlogged in many places. Although the rain had stopped, the trees still shed hundreds of water on us. I had a poncho (a raincoat) but decided not to wear it because it would not serve the purpose; I was already wet.

We had just crossed a small stream full of water and stepped into an open area, three sides covered with tree patches. I could smell the fresh meat; the kill was nearby.

Soon, from a distance, my field assistant saw a moving creature with black and orange stripes—a tiger. The field assistant warned us, and we were alert, all eyes in the direction where the tiger was. I could not see the tiger for a moment. Slowly moving further, I noticed a full-grown tiger charging towards us.

Everything happened in a flash. We were stunned to see a tiger charging and roaring towards us. This is mainly because the tiger was with the kill. Well, we did not have any intention to steal the food!

As we realized the tiger was moving closer, we started shouting simultaneously and banging sticks on the ground to scare it. The tiger, a male, stopped suddenly but was still roaring. I could see the canines; it was a mock charge (a warning sign/threat gesture meaning STAY AWAY).

The tiger turned back behind the tree, still staring at us. We slowly moved back without making noise, certainly keeping an eye on the tiger. We reached a safe distance and relaxed.

Meeting the beast on foot was thrilling and terrifying. We left the beast to feast in peace.

Tip: If you ever encounter any animal in the forest, be calm and try not to run.