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Through the Ice Ages, the tiger lived throughout Eurasia. Until the 1800's, tigers ranged most of the Asian continent. Today, only a few hundred are left there. Man has moved them out or killed them off.
This is the largest of the cat family. Admired for its strength and beauty. Yet, like the lion, a tiger is known to avoid people. Not living as a group, the tiger is a solitary animal, but not unfriendly. Two tigers may meet crossing paths, rubbing heads together in a greeting, then a quick departure. Several tigers may share a kill. Tigers communicate by many sounds including a roar which can be heard for up to two miles.
A tigers coat ranges from a light brownish-yellow to a deep orangish-red with black stripes. The fur on the throat, belly and insides of the legs is white. Many tigers have a ruff of hair around the head.
The tiger will hunt at night wandering over other animal tracks, along stream beds. They depend on their keen eye sight and clear hearing. Occasionally relying on their sense of smell for prey. A tiger will rush its prey - being extremely swift for short distances and can leap nearly 30 feet (9 meters). If an attack fails, there is a need to rest. As long as a week may pass without a successful kill. A tiger will always drag its prey to thick cover, preferably near the water.
The muscles of the neck, shoulders and fore legs are the most powerful. A tiger will drag up to 600 pounds nearly l/4 of a mile. A tiger will stay with the carcass until it has eaten everything but the bones and stomach. Eating up to 50 pounds of meet a night. A long drink and a nap quickly follow a kill.
Tigers are exceptional swimmers, often Iying in water to cool themselves. Tigers can also climb trees, but do not usually do so.
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