Tigers are the biggest cats in the world! They can be as long as a car (up to 11 feet or 3.3 meters). They have beautiful orange fur with black stripes. Each tiger's stripes are unique, like human fingerprints! They have very sharp claws that can pull back into their paws. Tigers have long whiskers that help them feel their way around.They have four strong legs that help them run fast and climb. They have big, round eyes that see well in the dark. Their ears are rounded and can turn to catch sounds from all directions. Tigers are excellent swimmers and love water! They have a very long tail that helps them balance when running and turning quickly.
Tigers used to live all over Asia, but now they're found in fewer places.They like forests, grasslands, and even snowy areas. Some tigers live in mangrove swamps. Different types of tigers live in different climates. Some live in hot, tropical forests, while others live in cold, snowy forests. Each tiger needs a large area to call home, which they mark with scratches and scent. They often rest in tall grass, caves, or among rocks.
Tigers are carnivores, which means they eat only meat.They hunt large animals like deer, wild pigs, and sometimes even bears! Smaller tigers might catch monkeys or birds. Tigers are ambush predators. They hide and then surprise their prey. They use their stripes to blend in with tall grass and shadows. They usually hunt at night when it's cooler. A tiger can eat up to 88 pounds of meat in one meal! Adult tigers have no natural predators except humans. Tigers are top predators and help keep the number of other animals balanced.
Their stripes provide excellent camouflage in the forest. They have very good night vision for hunting in the dark. Their orange and black stripes help them hide in grass and forest shadows. They have powerful jaws and sharp teeth for catching prey. Their strong legs let them pounce great distances. Tigers are good climbers and can escape danger by going up trees. They're excellent swimmers and can cross rivers to find food or escape threats. Tigers roar to mark their territory and communicate with other tigers.They leave scratch marks on trees to let other tigers know they're around.