What Is a Burmese Tiger Pit?

A Burmese tiger pit is a trap for hunting dangerous predators. It is made by digging a deep pit in the ground and planting sharp stakes pointed upwards from the bottom. With foliage to camouflage the pit, hunters lure their prey to it. Military warfare also uses similar tactics.

The most notable mention of the Burmese tiger pit in literature is in the short story “A Most Dangerous Game” by American author Richard Connell. Rainsford, the protagonist, pits his wits against General Zaroff, a deranged hunter who stalks human prey. Although Rainsford uses the Burmese tiger pit in the story, it fails to trap the general; he recognizes it, since he has hunted tigers as well.