Tiger is a perfect killing machine, so the best way to fight him is, not to fight him. It is important to know that generally, a Tiger is not interested in human beings. It is often noticed that he will leave the trail if he hears or sees you on the same trail.
Having said this, it does not mean that you throw the caution to the winds. Also, there are times that a Tiger would do a mock charge, i.e., come halfway fully charging, then stop turn around and run away. These are serious and life-threatening situations so you cannot take any charge lightly, hence it is best to be prepared, and remember the below points if you happen to remember when you encounter a Tiger on foot.
1. Do not run
Like all cats, tigers enjoy a chase. In Bandhavgarh national park, an elephant was startled by tigers in the long grass and threw its mahout (rider) to the ground before running away. Alone in the tall grass and knowing that there were at least three tigers in the grass nearby, the mahout fought his instincts and slowly edged backwards, one tiny step at a time, out of the grass. It took him two hours, but he lived to tell the tale.
2. 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. Keep walking backwards until the tiger is well out of sight, then turn and move quickly away from the location of the tiger.
3. Climb a tree if possible
If there is a tree nearby, and the Tiger is a bit far and you know how to climb a tree quickly, then go ahead. But be sure to reach at least 15 feet high before stopping, as Tigers can lump up to 15 feet comfortably to get you down. Imagine how much is 15 feet. close to one and a half floor. So do it quickly if you can, else do not attempt. If you encounter a Sloth Bear or a Leopard then the option of climbing the tree is out as they are both expert climbers more so the Leopard.
4. Do not urinate in a tiger’s territory
Tigers mark their territories and if you do the same, the tiger would see you as a threat.
5. 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.
6. Repel an attacking tiger with noise
Even simple sounds may frighten a tiger off if they are not accustomed to the noise. Make noise with anything you have, especially if it makes a loud or unnatural sound.
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.
