Motorcycle riding offers a unique sense of freedom and excitement, but these advantages are weighed against significant safety issues. For instance, the danger of being mistaken for a tasty deer by a hungry tiger.

A Russian biker almost became involved in a battle for the ages when a big cat attempted to leap on him as he rode by. Fortunately for the rider -- and unfortunately for the tiger -- a car struck the flying creature in mid-pounce.

The tiger -- who apparently had been ill and had not eaten in a month, hence the unusual hunting method -- suffered minor leg injuries and is being treated at a vet's clinic. While we're glad all concerned are safe, we suggest Russian Biker vs. Tiger as a future episode of Discovery Channel's "Animal Face-Off."