For prey less than half a tiger 's weight, the killing bite is delivered to the nape of the neck. For larger prey, a throat bite is prefered. Tigers are heavier predators than lions, and average about 50 deer each, per year. Only one hunt in 20 is successful. Both sexes mark territories but a male's territory will overlap several females' territories.
Cubs weigh under three pounds at birth and are striped.
Eyes open in 15-16 days. Litter consists of 1-4 cubs, occasionally up to 6, but it is unusual for more than two or three to survive. Cubs are weaned at 4-6 months but depend on their mother for food and protection for another two years. Females bear single litters every 2-3 years. New males entering a female's territory may eat cubs.