Siberian Tiger Facts for Kids

The Siberian tiger is a fascinating creature, finding itself living in some of the coldest places on the planet, when other tigers usually live in the jungle. Siberian tigers look almost out of place against the blank white snow, with their bright orange striped fur making them quite a striking sight in the cold winters of this region.

Siberian tigers have a powerful jaw, and thick fur to help them keep warm in winter. While their bright orange striped fur isn't the best for hiding in snow, their fur is more pale than others, which helps them hide in the cold environments they call home.

With only a few hundred of these creatures left in the wild, survival isn't easy, and conservation efforts in such cold regions are challenging.

These massive felines are at the top of the food chain, hunting even the biggest, toughest animals they come across. While some of their favorite prey includes deer, boar, moose, or other typical feline favorites, Siberian tigers also prey on bears, which goes to show just how tough these cats can be.

Like most cats, the first few days as a kitten are spent blind, and the cubs will stay in the den for a few months, and stay with their mother for the first few years before setting off on their own to find their own territory. After that, they live alone, traveling over large territories as they search for food.

These remaining tigers face difficulties like shrinking habitat, poaching, and other human-related problems. Conservation efforts estimate about 300 to 400 Siberian tigers still exist in the wild, making it extremely difficult for this species to survive.

However, conservation efforts have been in place for decades, with new plans and strategies to protect the habitat for these rare cats. Many have radio collars attached to help scientists study their hunting habits, territory exploration, encounters with other animals, and other information, which helps them plan further conservation efforts.

Like any other endangered species, the Siberian tiger needs a lot of help if it's going to survive. Organizations like Big Cat Rescue and the World Wildlife Fund help defend many animals all over the world, including many big cats.