Tigers can ambush prey because they are such skilled hunters. When the moment is right, tigers will linger above their chosen target and then descend with a pounce. One thing is for sure – you don’t want to be on the other side of this interaction! A recent video shows a precious young tiger cub learning how to hunt. The thing about ambushing is that it’s a skill learned over time. This cat ends up crouching just feet away from what appears to be deer. Within a second, this animal could’ve had a fresh lunch, but he’s still learning the ways of the wild. We think it’s safe to assume this is one of the first situations where the tiger is hunting by himself.
Learning a New Skill
Between the ages of eight and ten months, tiger cubs start hunting with their mother and siblings. The tigress is mostly focused on raising her young and teaching them how to hunt and defend themselves. Around fifteen months old, tiger cubs spend much of their time wrestling with their brothers and mother. For about 24 weeks after birth, the cubs nurse alongside their mother. The mother tiger starts bringing the cubs food at that stage, including buffalo, wild pigs, antelope, or other wildlife. Until they are around one and a half years old, the cubs are unable to hunt by themselves. The cubs create their own territory after spending two to three years with their mother. Sometimes the cub’s new area is near to the mother’s, especially if she is a female. Tigers can live up to 25 years in captivity and 15 to 20 years in the wild. While the deer are lucky in this situation, we can help but think this young tiger is adorable as it attempts to ambush for a quick bite to eat.
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