In a dramatic encounter in central India’s Madhya Pradesh, a forest guard faced a tigress during a routine patrol in the Satpura Tiger Reserve.

The incident took place in the Suariya beat of the Madhai core area in Narmadapuram district on October 26.

Visuals showed the forest guard hiding behind dense bushes, trembling with fear as he witnessed the tigress. The big cat roamed dangerously close among the thick vegetation before moving ahead, leaving the guard distressed and shocked by the sighting.

According to reports, Forest Guard Annulal Bhusare, patrolling with his colleague Dahal Singh, noticed an unusual increase in the movement of herbivorous animals—an unmistakable sign of a nearby predator. Suddenly, the low growl of a tiger echoed through the trees, sending chills down their spines. Both guards quickly climbed separate trees for safety.

Annulal clung to a branch, peering down to see the tigress emerge from the underbrush. For about 15 to 20 minutes, the tigress roamed beneath him, and Annulal recorded the moment as the majestic animal curiously observed him from below. Eventually, the tigress wandered off, allowing Annulal and Dahal to breathe a sigh of relief. Once he was sure the coast was clear, Annulal climbed down and returned to the Satpura Tiger Reserve office, eager to recount his thrilling encounter. Officers confirmed the incident, commending Annulal’s quick thinking and bravery in the face of danger.