Watch a deer’s close call with a hungry tiger. This wildlife footage captures the moment a tiger begins stalking a deer. The first attempt to catch the prey is a major failure, but this big cat isn’t willing to give up. Going downwind, the tiger stalks the deer and finally stages an ambush attack. Hiding in the thick brush of the jungle, will the tiger have a chance to catch a tasty deer meal? Or will this speedy deer outrun this big cat, making it go hungry yet again? Follow along as we learn more about the relationship between these two species.
Where Do Tigers Live?
The biggest member of the cat family, tigers, primarily live throughout Asia. There are tiger populations throughout Indonesia, India, and Thailand. Along with living in tropical regions, you can also find these striped cats in cold environments. For instance, there are just under 600 Siberian tigers in far East Russia.
©iStock.com/Thinker360
Where Do Deers Live?
Deers and elk, moose, and caribou belong to the Cervidae family. In North America, white-tailed deer are the smallest member of the deer family. These mammals can grow over 7 ft long and weigh nearly 300 lb. You can find whitetail deer from Southern Canada to South America.
The deer in the footage below is a big one. If the tiger can catch it, it’ll have plenty of meat to strengthen its body. But even though tigers are apex predators, they aren’t always successful. It’s especially hard when the prey is as fast as the speedy deer.
©iStock.com/gatito33
How Fast Is Each Species?
When hiding doesn’t work, a deer’s best defense is its fast speed. These mammals can run 30 mph. They reserve these top speeds for evading predators. The second something startles the deer; it dashes off in the safest direction.
Along with running, deer can also swim 15 mph. Their lightweight bodies and strong muscle fibers help them outrun predators. If you scroll to the bottom of the page and watch the video, you’ll be able to see the moment the deer senses danger. Watch how their ears and body become stiff before sprinting into action.
Tigers can outrun a deer without even trying. These big cats have a top speed of 60 mph. Considering Siberian tigers can weigh over 600 pounds, it’s impressive that their bodies can move so fast.
Everything about a tiger is designed for hunting. Tigers have large muscular bodies and long tails that help them maintain balance. They also have webbed paws that make them a strong swimmer, reaching speeds of 4 mph.
How Does a Tiger Hunt?
Tigers are carnivorous ambush predators. They stalk their prey and then wait for the perfect moment to strike. These big cats usually attack from behind, overpowering whatever animal they take down. Does the tiger ever catch up to the speedy deer? Watch the video below and find out.
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