See Who Backs Down When a Mountain Lion and Tiger Come Face-to-Face

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Written by Sharon Parry

Updated: November 10, 2023

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Siberian Tiger
© Gerckens-Photo-Hamburg/Shutterstock.com

A fascinating confrontation! These two animals are clearly living in captivity, and their face-to-face confrontation has been recorded for us to share. At first, the tiger seems a little bemused by the smaller mountain lion (cougar). The mountain lion is the first to show aggression by making strong hissing sounds that are very like those made by a domestic cat. Then, the lion retaliates with a half-growl/half-hiss.

Watch This Fascinating Confrontation Below

Unbelievable, it is the smaller animal that has the advantage, and the huge tiger backs away. Not content to let it go, the mountain lion moves forward as the tiger continues to retreat. It is obviously not in the mood for a fight.

All About Tigers

Tigers live on the continents of Asia and Eurasia, and their habitats are dense forests, grasslands, and mangrove swamps. They can be over 10 feet long and weigh over 500 pounds. Even their tails can be three feet long.

tiger

Very few animals can kill a tiger because they are so powerful

©iStock.com/dito:Aleksejs Loginovs

Very few animals can kill an adult tiger because they are so large and powerful. Only humans, large buffalo, and elephants are capable. This fact makes it even more remarkable that the tiger in this clip seems to be wary of a much smaller animal. Tigers have all the attributes that a formidable hunter needs. They can stalk, run fast, have quick movements, and have huge power. They actually only need to eat once a week but can consume 75 pounds of meat in one sitting. What they cannot eat, they often cover with leaves and return to later.

The Brave Mountain Lion

Mountain lion stares into camera

With a maximum weight of 220 lbs, pumas are nowhere near as large as tigers, which can reach 660 lbs.

©Kwadrat/Shutterstock.com

Mountain lions are a large wild cat species that are native to North America, Central America, and South America. They are not, however, anywhere near as large as a tiger. An adult mountain lion can reach about five and a half feet in length and weigh up to 160 pounds. They are also called cougars, pumas, and panthers and can live in a wide range of habitats.

As you hear in this video, they do not roar like most other big cats. Instead, they have a distinctive scream and hiss. However, they can also meow and purr!

Normal Behavior of Big Cats

Siberian Tiger Cubs

Tigers are surprisingly good parents.

©Thes2680/Shutterstock.com

Big cats like Bengal Tigers and cougars are among the most majestic and powerful animals on Earth. They are solitary hunters, typically hunting alone or in small prides. They use their powerful senses to identify and track prey, and they have powerful jaws and teeth to take down and kill their targets.

They move very stealthily and silently, relying on the cover of darkness to help them succeed in their hunt. They use the element of surprise to their advantage, and their agility and strength make them one of the most efficient hunters in the animal kingdom.

Big cats also practice a very caring and nurturing parenting style. Mothers take care of their young for up to two years, teaching them the skills they need to survive in the wild. Dads also play a role in the rearing of their young, providing them with protection and guidance.

Big cats exhibit a wide range of normal behaviors, from hunting and parenting to socializing and even playing. It’s a testament to their intelligence and adaptability that they have been able to survive and thrive in a wide range of habitats. They are truly awe-inspiring and impressive animals

Other Amazing Videos You Might Like

A lone Himalayan bear is minding its own business when two tiger cubs approach it. It doesn’t seem quite sure of what to make of these curious intruders. But then their parents run out from the brush cover, and chaos ensues. There is a lot of posturing and growling as the bear attempts to stand its ground.

It is a futile attempt as the conflict progresses to the water, back on land, to the water, and back to land again, the bear always on the defensive. Yet the ursine shows remarkable courage, even swiping on occasion. At last, it flees the scene, running for safety and, hopefully, tranquility.

Find out what happens when two tigers set upon this lone bear.

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About the Author

Dr Sharon Parry is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on dogs, animal behavior, and research. Sharon holds a PhD from Leeds University, UK which she earned in 1998 and has been working as a science writer for the last 15 years. A resident of Wales, UK, Sharon loves taking care of her spaniel named Dexter and hiking around coastlines and mountains.

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