Pugmarks of a Tiger
I knew that tiger sightings are rare in the Jim Corbett National park. People who had gone there before me also told me that despite four or five continuous outings, they saw nothing but a few species of deer. It is not easy to spot a tiger in its natural habitat because their coat provides them an efficient camouflage cover. But there is something that gives away their towering presence in the forest, their pugmarks. Expert trackers can tell whether it was a tiger or a tigress, and in which direction and when they went by. I knew exactly what to expect when we commenced the Safari. Tigers have a towering presence in and around the area they live. We may not be able to spot him but the tiger's eyes misses nothing alive or dead. We knew we were being closely watched. “Look,” said the guide, pointing to a set a pug marks. “It is behind us,” said my grandson accompanying me on his first jungle safari. The pugmarks were deep and fresh. “The dominant male of the area is som...