Bengal Tiger
Panthera tigris tigris
Type:
Mammal
Life Span
Wild: 10-16 years
Captivity:16-20 years
Size
5-6 feet body
2-3 feet tail
Average Weight
250-500 lbs
Group Name
Mostly Solitary
Group Size
1
Name of Young
Cub
Facts
- Tigers are easily recognizable by their distinctive orange, black and white striped pattern. The tiger is a stalk and ambush hunter, so their stripes are excellent camouflage in tall grass.
- Bengal tigers are also called Indian tigers. Their range includes India, Nepal, Bhurma, and Bhutan. The white tiger is not albino. Its white coloration is the result of a recessive gene. White tigers do not exist in the wild.
- Tigers prefer to be solitary and they mark their territories with urine. They typically avoid interaction with humans unless disturbed.
- Bengal tigers, as with all top-of-the-food-chain predators, help keep prey populations in check. When a tiger has eaten its fill, the abandoned prey becomes food for a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- Some cultures believe tiger bones have medicinal value. Unfortunately, tigers are in high demand to supply this market.
Did You Know?
Most cats avoid water, but Bengal tigers actually enjoy getting wet. This is a way to cool off during hot weather. Tigers are strong swimmers and are capable of hunting for prey in the water.
