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How to Read a Tiger

You can learn how to analyze a tiger's behavior by looking out for small signals that determine its feelings and mood. If you're interested in learning to read a tiger's body language and verbal signals, visit your local zoo. There you should see tigers interacting and communicating, and also practicing their form of etiquette.

Instructions

- 1
  Watch two tigers as they approach one another and listen for "chuffing," which is a tiger's way of giving a friendly greeting. Identify chuffing by listening for four consecutive "brrr" sounds coming from each tiger.
- 2
  Look at the tiger's tail to identify its feelings toward an approaching animal. A hanging tail is an indication that it's feeling contented. A tail that's waving from side to side shows that the tiger is feeling threatened or territorial.
- 3
  Identify the meaning of a tiger's roar, which can be heard over a distance of three kilometers. A snarling roar accompanied by bared fangs is a warning call; it means that the tiger is feeling territorial and is telling other tigers in the area to keep away. A roar that is made without baring the teeth is a mating call to invite tigers of the opposite sex closer. A roar that sounds "soft" is used by a mother tiger calling its cubs.
- 4
  Look at the tiger's ears. Forward-facing ears mean that the tiger is alert and curious, whereas flattened ears mean that the tiger is feeling defensive.

Animals & Science