Mongar town is abuzz with news of how a 39-year-old man of Nyamla village in Drepong fended off an attack by a tigress on the morning of February 19.

Rinchen Dorji, who is being treated at the Drepong BHU for scratches on his face, had gone into the forest at around seven that morning to collect some poles to fence his vegetable garden. He was alone and carrying a traditional knife and a piece of rope. As he entered the semi-forested area, about a kilometre from his home, he thought he saw two creatures the size of a dog.

Wondering whether they were cubs, a reddish tigress suddenly appeared and pounced on him with a roar. “It was like a nightmare, but I managed to protect myself with my right arm and push the tigress away. When it rose again I was able to take my knife out and strike,” said Rinchen Dorji. The animal fled. “I found that I could stand, so I walked home and called a relative to take me to the BHU, a one-hour walk away.”

Ngawang Chezom, a health assistant at the Drepong BHU, said that Rinchen Dorji had reported to the medical centre with his face covered in blood. She told Kuensel that there were some minor cuts on his left cheek and two deep ones near the left eye and ear, probably caused by the cat’s sharp claws. According to the HA, the patient has been treated with double antibiotics and is in good condition.

Drepong villagers said that Rinchen is known for strength and quick hands. The Drepong gup, Pema Tshewang, said that this was the first case of a tiger attack in the gewog. Source: Kuenselonline