5 fun facts about Tigers

I wanted to share some interesting facts about Tigers you may not have known.

1. One of, if not the largest vertical leaps

You know that spring position your little cat you named Mustard does when they pounce? These gigantic cats do the same thing to launch themselves 12 feet into the air! That's 2 feet higher than the rim of a basketball hoop in a single leap.

2. A Tigers roar can be heard from over 2 miles away

The roar of a Tiger is actually what you hear used as a lions roar in movies. Not sure why they didn't use Tigers (they're bigger, stronger and scarier anyways).

3. Highway system

When Tigers travel within their territories they create a highway system of trails. They have a memorized highway system for all of their favorite hunting, relaxing, and drinking locations. This allows them to cover many miles in a short amount of time any time day or night.

4. The stripes aren't just for looks

A Tigers stripes are all the way down to the skin and are completely unique to each individual Tiger (like human finger prints). They're an evolutionary trait that allows them to practically disappear in tall grass and wooded areas by blending into the environment. Although orange in color to us, their natural prey see orange as a green practically making them invisible.

5. Tigers have a unique greeting

Around trusted individuals (other Tigers, humans who care for them in rescue situations, etc.) Tigers have a distinct greeting called a "chuff". It sounds similar to a lower & quieter version of chewbacas sound from Star Wars. This is usually accompanied by rubbing, head booping and licking as signs of affection. As the largest of all cats on earth they're incapable of purring, this is their alternative.

If you have of any interesting facts about Tigers you'd like to share, please let me know down in the comments below :)