"The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival" is a non-fiction book written by John Vaillant. Published in 2010, the book explores the dramatic events surrounding a series of tiger attacks in the remote Russian Far East, specifically in the Primorsky Krai region.
The narrative centers on a specific incident in December 1997 when a massive Siberian tiger, known as the "Amur tiger" or "Siberian tiger," began attacking and killing humans in the village of Krasny Partizan. The tiger's victims were often hunters or individuals encroaching on its territory. In response to the escalating conflict between humans and tigers, a government-appointed hunter named Yuri Trush was assigned the task of tracking down and killing the tiger.
"The Tiger" not only recounts the gripping tale of the manhunt for the dangerous tiger but also delves into the broader context of the relationship between humans and the natural world, particularly the complex dynamics between predators and their prey. Vaillant skillfully weaves together elements of natural history, Russian culture, and environmental conservation, creating a narrative that goes beyond the immediate events and explores the deeper connections between humans and the wild.
The book received critical acclaim for its engaging storytelling and its exploration of the ecological and cultural aspects of the conflict. It provides readers with a thought-provoking examination of the consequences when the boundaries between human civilization and the untamed wilderness are blurred.