3 Ways to Survive a Tiger Attack - wikiHow http://www.wikihow.

com/Survive-a-Tiger-Attack

to do anything...
EDIT HELP US EXPLORE LOG IN MESSAGES

Article Edit Discuss Home » Categories » Pets and Animals » Wildlife » Big Cats

About this wikiHow

wikiHow to Survive a Tiger Attack Reader

Approved
Co-authors: 29

Three Methods: Surviving an Actual Tiger Attack Encountering a Tiger that May Attack 131 votes - 84% Updated:
Preventing a Tiger from Attacking Community Q&A Click a star to vote Views: 208,591

Being a researcher on wild animal-human conflict since decades in India and born and
brought up in the protected areas got many many real life experiences. Have seen many Reader Success Stories
cases and still this place is under a stray tigers shadow. The best is to avoid situations where
possibly you will come across a tiger. Only thing that can save you is your fate if a tiger Manu Kotheri
MK
Dec 27, 2016
decided to attack you. But 99.9% of the sightings are aggressiveness and believe me tigers
"Am all set on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala
don't like the company of humans. Be prepared if you are staying in a tiger territory, you can via Periyar tiger sanctuary on foot. In
wear a mask on your back head to fool it as they tend to attack from behind. Get a strong case I encounter a big..." more
pepper spray and use it in case you are under attack. And yes I bet for sure you won't
More reader stories
probably get a chance to try any of this if you are attacked because it can be from behind and
in an unexpected moment (say at noon 1 O'clock) And you don't do anything but tiger will do $ Advertisement

everything. And other advises below by different experts are also valuable.

If you ever find yourself in proximity to a tiger without an adequate barrier through which you
might safely observe them, immediately recognize that you are in danger. Whenever possible,
avoid areas in which a tiger may be present. If you do encounter a tiger, take the necessary
steps to reduce the chances the tiger will attack, and know what to do if the tiger does begin
to attack.
$ Advertisement

Method
1 Surviving an Actual Tiger Attack

1 Try to remain calm and back away slowly. In the event that a tiger is tracking you
or has begun to snarl at you and seems ready to attack, try to stay calm. Do not look
the tiger in the eye, but do turn towards the tiger. Back away slowly while fighting the urge
to turn your back and run.[1]
Keep walking backwards until the tiger is well out of sight, then turn and move
quickly away from the location of the tiger.

2 Make yourself big. Try to look and feel brave. Whatever you do, do not run.
Running away from a tiger is all but inviting it to attack you. Inciting a chase can
literally prompt an uncertain tiger into attacking. While slowly backing away, stand up as
tall as possible.[2]
Make yourself look like less of a helpless prey animal by standing up straight.
Crouched down, you look weaker and smaller – both of which will increase the
chances that a tiger will attack.

Repel an attacking tiger with noise. Even simple sounds may frighten a tiger off if they

1 of 7 05/06/2017 10:15
3 Ways to Survive a Tiger Attack - wikiHow http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Tiger-Attack

EDIT HELP US EXPLORE LOG IN MESSAGES

If you have a firearm, shoot it into the air.
If you have a signal flare, light it and hold it in front of you.
Jingle or shake any metal or glass items against one another.
If you attempt to shout at the tiger, do so with full confidence. Any nervousness
that is betrayed by your voice may incite the tiger to attack.

4 Do whatever you can to survive. If the tiger begins to physically attack, it is unlikely
to stop. Continue making as much noise as possible, and use whatever you have to
shield yourself and strike back in self defense. Avoid playing dead; if the tiger is attacking
out of an interest in eating you, it will simply proceed unencumbered. Remember that your
best chance of survival is convincing the tiger to flee, which will require you to frighten or
injure the tiger.[4]
If you are lucky enough to survive an attack, work to stop any bleeding and get
medical attention as quickly as possible.

Method
2 Encountering a Tiger that May Attack

1 Avoid approaching an escaped tiger. If you see a tiger that may have escaped
captivity, do not assume it is docile or friendly towards humans. Tigers that have
been captive will be agitated in unfamiliar environments, and are especially likely to
attack.[5]

2 Attempt to distract the tiger and hide. Leave your possessions behind as you walk
away, as these may momentarily distract a curious tiger. If you cannot vacate the
area entirely, attempt to hide. Tigers are not as capable of climbing as are some other
jungle cats, so climb a tree until you can escape.[6]
Once you've hidden, you may attempt to distract the tiger by throwing things away
from you to lead them in that direction. However, use extreme caution in doing so,
as you're probably more likely to attract attention to your hiding spot. As such, it is
better to throw stuff off of your path before you hide.

Related Articles

3 Do not antagonize a tiger in any way. Never antagonize a tiger or large animal of
any type. Tigers in particular respond to aggression with aggression and will defend
themselves by attacking.[7] Do not throw anything at a tiger or attempt to hit it with
something.
In the event that you are attacking a tiger in order to distract it from mauling
someone else, use whatever you have to strike the tiger as hard as you can.
Keep shouting at the tiger, both to intimidate it and to distract it from its victim.

How to How to
Spot a Tiger Fend off a
Shark Mountain Lion

4 Give old or injured tigers a wide berth. While an old or injured tiger may seem
feeble or in need of your help, they may actually be especially dangerous. Even if a
tiger is in poor health, it should be treated with extreme caution.[8]
How to How to
In the wild, you’re actually more likely to see a tiger in poor health, as tigers that Survive a Cheetah Know if a Female
are unable to hunt as well as they are when healthy will seek out easily accessible Attack Tiger Is in Heat

2 of 7 05/06/2017 10:15
3 Ways to Survive a Tiger Attack - wikiHow http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Tiger-Attack

EDIT HELP US EXPLORE LOG IN MESSAGES

comfortable with.

5 Leave cubs alone. No matter how tempting it may be or how cute they may look,
you should never interact with a young tiger. Tiger mothers are ferociously protective
$ Advertisement
of their young and will readily come to their defense if they feel they are threatened in any
way. Do not approach or attempt to interact with a cub in any way if you see one.[9]
In the wild, it is very rare to spot cubs because they are fiercely protected by their
mothers. With that said, just because you see a cub all by themselves wondering
around aimlessly doesn't mean that the mother isn't somewhere nearby.

Method
3 Preventing a Tiger from Attacking

1 Travel with a guide if outdoors in tiger territory. Though there are only a few
places in the world where you can see tigers in the wild, these places are sometimes
open to travelers. If you’re visiting a place in which tigers freely roam, hire a guide to help
ensure a safe journey.[10]
Often, organizations interested in the well-being of wild animals will provide you
with information to inform you of how to behave safely in certain areas and avoid
dangerous situations.

2 Be silent and still if you spot a tiger before is sees you. If a tiger has not noticed
your presence, try to get away before it sees you. You are more likely to attract
attention by moving, so simply wait until the tiger has moved on of its own accord. Once it
has, move safely but deliberately towards safety, ideally in the opposite direction.[11]

3 Avoid inadvertently challenging a tiger’s mark. Stated otherwise, don’t pee in a

tiger’s domain. An innocent bathroom break may be interpreted by a tiger as an act
of aggression, and they may perceive you as a threat if you urinate in their territory. As a
general rule of thumb, always ensure that you are well hydrated and have visited the
bathroom before you walk into Tiger territory. [12]

4 Wear a two-faced mask. If you’re somewhere – such as the Ganges Delta in India –
where people are regularly attacked and killed by tigers, consider wearing a
backwards-facing mask. Rear-facing masks trick tigers, which prefer to sneak up on
potential prey.[13]
By fooling the tiger into thinking you have eyes in the back of your head, you may
prevent yourself from becoming its next meal.
Even when tigers have been observed stalking humans, they do not attack people
wearing a two-faced mask.

3 of 7 05/06/2017 10:15
3 Ways to Survive a Tiger Attack - wikiHow http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Tiger-Attack

EDIT HELP US EXPLORE LOG IN MESSAGES

Search

Add New Question

What if I was trapped?
wikiHow Contributor
If escape is not an option, your best bet is to stand your ground. Ensure you are facing the
tiger and making noise and trying to act as confident as possible.
Thanks!
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 43

Can I distract the tiger by throwing some rocks?
wikiHow Contributor
No, you should not throw anything at the tiger, as it will take it as an act of aggression, to
which it will respond with aggression.
Thanks!
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 18

Are tigers afraid of fire?
wikiHow Contributor
Fire is a foreign concept to tigers, so it would be an asset when fending off a tiger. However,
they are not as afraid of fire as popular culture would have you believe.
Thanks!
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 44

Does a tiger attack more often from the front or back?
wikiHow Contributor
A tiger will typically attack from behind. They are hunters that rely on stealth to catch their
prey.
Thanks!
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 33

What if I was surrounded by two or more tigers?
wikiHow Contributor
Tigers are solo hunters, so more tigers in one area could mean they are fighting or perhaps
mating. Either way, you would need to show your dominance. But in that situation escape
should be the top priority, as the tigers will be more aggressive if mating or fighting other
tigers.
Thanks!
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 32

Will one be able to choke a tiger?
wikiHow Contributor
No. Do not attempt to choke a tiger.
Thanks!
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 61

What if a tiger pounced on me, knocking me to the ground? Should I stick my arm in it's
mouth?
wikiHow Contributor
No, do not stick your arm in a tiger's mouth. Try aiming for its weaker spots, like the eyes or
its nose, and use whatever you have to defend yourself. If you have a knife, use it and aim for
the throat. You can also use a a branch or a rock. And protect your neck, as it is the part of
the body the tiger is usually aiming for.
Thanks!

4 of 7 05/06/2017 10:15
3 Ways to Survive a Tiger Attack - wikiHow http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Tiger-Attack

EDIT HELP US EXPLORE LOG IN MESSAGES

What so I do if the tigers attack me, and there is no one around, and I'm dying?
wikiHow Contributor
Well...if you believe in God, now would be a good time to start praying.
Thanks!
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 48

What if I get bit and don't get medical treatment?
wikiHow Contributor
You risk getting a serious infection. Tigers have a lot of bacteria on their teeth. You should
seek medical treatment right away.
Thanks!
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 32

Can I punch a tiger in the jaw and knock him out?
wikiHow Contributor
No.
Thanks!
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 20

$ Advertisement
Show more answers
Ask a Question

200 characters left

Submit

Related
How to wikiHows How to
Edit
How to How to
How to How to
How to How to
Identify a Siberian Tiger Identify a Snow Leopard

Sources and Citations

1. ↑ http://travel.rbth.com/travel/2015/09
/06/tips_for_adventurers_how_to_survive_an_encounter_with_a_siberian_tiger
2. ↑ http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jun/18/georgia-zoo-flooding-what-to-
do-encounter-tiger
3. ↑ http://travel.rbth.com/travel/2015/09
/06/tips_for_adventurers_how_to_survive_an_encounter_with_a_siberian_tiger

5 of 7 05/06/2017 10:15
3 Ways to Survive a Tiger Attack - wikiHow http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Tiger-Attack

EDIT HELP US EXPLORE LOG IN MESSAGES

Article Info

Categories: Big Cats

In other languages:

Italiano: Sopravvivere a un attacco della tigre, Español: sobrevivir un ataque de

tigre, Русский: справиться с нападением тигра, Français: survivre à une attaque de
tigre, Deutsch: Einen Tigerangriff überleben, Português: Sobreviver a um Ataque de Tigre,

:   , Bahasa Indonesia: Menyelamatkan Diri dari Serangan Harimau
Discuss Print Email Edit Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 208,591 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No

6 of 7 05/06/2017 10:15
3 Ways to Survive a Tiger Attack - wikiHow http://www.wikihow.com/Survive-a-Tiger-Attack

EDIT HELP US EXPLORE LOG IN MESSAGES

7 of 7 05/06/2017 10:15