13/12/2020
"A man who says he is tough to scare, has never been caught in a tigers stare !"
The most bold and fearless sub adult female tiger I have seen so far !
The morning safari had started on a dull note, as we had failed to sight anything for almost 2 hours into the drive. The whole group had given up and even the driver (also guide - Narasimha) was evidently dejected as he just drove through the forests.
Sitting by the open window side, like a small kid I kept my eyes open, watchful towards the drying bushes, optimistic as ever thinking a tiger would walk out from there any moment. To my shocking surprise, out of one of the bushes, the tigress emerged into light !
It was a stellar moment in my life, as I was the only one to spot it and instantly called out to our driver to stop ! I think I said " Anna Anna tiger tiger, stop Maadi !" 😄
The next 30 minutes was sheer madness ! The tigress boldly walked towards us, scent marking the trees and walked across the road ! There were times when she was too close for comfort and with big lenses it was so difficult for us to frame her. The driver literally had to back off due to her bold advances towards our bus !
To see a tiger in the eyes, up so close is fearful but also a thrilling experience ! 😇
Stories of Kabini,
December 2020
wildlife .karnataka.wildlife
