The difference between the gerund and the present participle
There is a subtle difference between Gerund form and Present Participle. Therefore, How should we distinguish them? In the following sentences, which one has used the gerund or the present participle?

Hunting tigers can be dangerous.

Question

The difference between the gerund and the present participle
There is a subtle difference between Gerund form and Present Participle. Therefore, How should we distinguish them? In the following sentences, which one has used the gerund or the present participle?

Hunting tigers can be dangerous.

Answer

You've given us a nice example, because this sentence can have two completely different meanings.

1.  Hunting tigers can be dangerous =  It can be dangerous for people to hunt tigers

In this case, 'Hunting' is a GERUND. This is because it has the function of a NOUN and is the subject of the sentence. It means that the activity of hunting can be dangerous.

2. Hunting tigers can be dangerous =  Tigers can be dangerous when they are hunting.

In this case, 'Hunting' is a PARTICIPLE because it is an ADJECTIVE qualifying the word 'tigers'.

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