It is hard not to respect a tiger when you see one in the wild. Their presence exudes stealth and authority.
This tiger silently stalked a boar, before charging through some marshy woodland terrain and bringing it down. The boar stood no chance against the chiseled and muscular form of the tiger.
Tiger walks alone through forest area
Tigers are the largest of the big cats and apex predators in their ecosystems. This tiger walked alone through some forest area. Tigers are solitary by nature and this one didn’t seem to mind its own company.
In spite of it being alone, it was equipped with everything it needed to locate and stalk prey, and make a kill.
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It was on high alert and had probably picked up on the scent of potential prey.
Tiger searches for food
Tigers rely on stealth and power rather than speed. They often hunt at dusk or dawn, ambushing animals like deer, wild boar, and even water buffalo.
In regions like India and Southeast Asia, wild boar make up a significant part of a tiger’s diet.
After wandering for some distance, the tiger stood to attention. It had picked up on some movement in the distance.
It possibly remained unnoticed by the animal it had spied just over the horizon. This is because tigers are designed for camouflage. Their stripes ensure they remain relatively hidden in grassland and forest areas.
Each stripe pattern on a tiger is unique, like a human fingerprint.
Tiger prepares to attack
Having located its intended prey, the tiger then crouched down, waiting for an opportune moment to attack.
Its muscles could be seen rippling beneath the surface of its magnificent coat of fur. These same muscles were taut with anticipation.
The tiger prepared to spring forth and launch an attack.
Tiger sprints forwards in pursuit of prey
Just like that the tiger bolted to its feet. It sprinted like lightening through the trees with unbridled energy and precision.
In just a moment it seized a wild boar which had been wandering through a watery marshland area. The wild boar stood no chance. It had neither seen nor anticipated the tiger’s deadly approach.
The tiger took it down in a moment and the boar’s form disappeared for a moment as the tiger overshadowed it.
Tigers are excellent swimmers and can drag prey heavier than themselves for long distances. This tiger was perfectly comfortable in the watery marshland where it had caught the boar.
It also knew exactly what to do to end the wild boar’s life. A single powerful bite to the neck or throat is usually enough to bring a boar down.
The brutal scene was enough to make even the strongest spectator look away for a few moments. The ways of the wild can often seem unkind. However, it’s through this give and take of nature that life is held in balance.
Vijay witnessed the tiger’s majesty, power and supreme mastery over its environment in a single, breathtaking sighting.