During the hot season, Sumatran tigers spend much of the day resting near streams, and often lie or stand in the water to keep cool. Tigers attack prey from side or rear at close range. When prey weigh more than half as much as the tiger, the throat bite is used, and death is most likely caused by suffocation. The tiger usually commences feeding on the rump of its prey. Stripes and color blend into habitat which is moderately dense cover, often tall grass.
Typical cat build, on a large scale.
The tiger's hind legs are longer than forelegs for powerful leaping. The Sumatran is the smallest of the tiger subspecies. Tigers reach sexual maturity by 3-4 years of age. Three to four cubs are common in each litter. The cubs are born blind and helpless, and only weigh about 2.2 lbs at birth.