They have thick striped fur with the colour and markings varying between the sub-species. The large, Siberian Tiger has longer, softer fur. The Sumatran Tiger is smaller, more orange and has more black stripes than its Bengal cousin. The tropical inhabitants mainly live in forests and swampy districts and are good swimmers which helps to keep them cool. They often climb trees.
Sharp teeth are necessary for killing and tearing meat.
They hunt after sunset, preying mainly on deer, large swine and sometimes larger prey such as water buffalo. Tigers reach maturity for breeding at 4 years. In hot countries cubs are born throughout the year. In cold regions, they are born in the Spring with pregnancy lasting 3-4 months. An average of four cubs are born in every litter but only half of these survive their first year.