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| The Tiger: A Large-Hearted Gentleman
LSU’s beloved mascot, Mike the Tiger, is a royal Bengal tiger. Thousands of people visit Mike each year and are inspired by his incredible beauty and majestic grace. In the wild, Bengal tigers can be found in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan. They are capable of living in a variety of habitats from the cold climates of the Himalayan forests to the lush, wet forests of Northern India. The average adult male Bengal tiger measures nine-and-a-half feet from head to toe and weighs between 400 and 500 pounds. Females measure eight feet in length and weigh slightly less. Bengal tigers live approximately 15 years in the wild.
All subspecies of the tiger are endangered with as few as 7,500 tigers remaining in the wild. Poaching is the most immediate risk to the tiger’s long-term survival. Habitat loss and over-hunting of the tigers’ prey are also significant threats to the species. Practically all of the countries with tigers have protective laws in place to help safeguard and defend this resplendent animal. Written by Robin Dunkin | University
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Bengal
tigers are one of five remaining subspecies of tiger, which also
includes the Indo-Chinese tiger, South China tiger, Siberian tiger,
and the Sumatran tiger. They are solitary animals who prefer to
hunt at night. Their diet consists of deer, pig, and buffalo. These
ravenous eaters are capable of consuming more than 60 pounds of
meat in one night and will carry their prey for miles rather than
leaving anything for scavengers. Wild tigers pose no threat to humans,
provided the tigers have ample terrain for hunting, an unaltered
prey base, and good health.
