- Tigers are the largest cat species in the world and the third-largest carnivore on land–only polar and brown bears are larger.
- An adult Amur or Siberian tiger (the largest subspecies) can weigh up to 660 pounds.
- The Sumatran tiger is the smallest, with males only weighing up to 310 pounds. Females generally weigh less than males in all subspecies.
- Tigers are the only cat species that are completely striped. They even have stripes on their skin.
- Stripe density varies by subspecies. The stripes on a Sumatran tiger are closer together than those on any other subspecies.
- No two tigers have the same stripes. Like human fingerprints, their stripe patterns are unique to each individual. Stripes range in color from light brown to black and are not symmetrical on both sides of the tiger.
- A tiger’s tail is about three feet long and helps them balance when making tight turns.
- It’s estimated that tiger hunts are only successful about one in every 10 to 20 attempts.
- An adult tiger can consume up to 88 pounds of meat in one meal and will often stay with its kill or bury it to return and dine over a period of days. It may not kill again for four or five days.
- The average lifespan of a wild tiger is 10 – 15 years. But on rare occasion, they have been known to live up to 26 years in the wild.
- Female tigers are super moms. After a gestation period of a little more than three months, they give birth (on average) to two to three blind and helpless cubs. The female is the sole provider for them until they reach independence at two years of age.
- Unlike most big cats, tigers are powerful swimmers and have been known to swim great distances to hunt or cross rivers. Young tigers often play in water and adults will lounge in streams or lakes to stay cool during the heat of the day.
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