It’s well-known that tigers are excellent hunters. They typically use stalking and ambushing techniques to capture unsuspecting prey such as antelope or zebra, leaping out from hiding to make their kill. But if the animal they’re hunting catches the tiger’s scent or hears a noise, they might run away. This is when a tiger has to sprint and work harder for its supper. So how fast can tigers run exactly? Let’s find out.

Tigers are quick short-distance sprinters

While cheetahs are notoriously the fastest of all big cats, reaching phenomenal speeds of 60 - 70 mph, tigers are able to reach surprising speeds. Tigers can run at speeds of up to 30 - 40 mph in short, sharp bursts, allowing them to chase and catch prey when necessary. They cannot maintain this speed for long periods of time, however, and tend to run out of steam after around 100 metres. While this is often enough to successfully catch prey such as a wild boar, animals like deer will outrun a tiger over a longer distance, leaving it without a meal. An unsuccessful hunt leaves tigers feeling exhausted and depleted, and they will often need to rest for two to six hours before trying again. That’s why tigers prefer to conserve their energy by stalking their prey silently or waiting in ambush by a food or water source.

Tigers are Built for Running

Looking at a tiger, you may not think it is built for running. In comparison to cheetahs, which are lean and slim, tigers are huge, with large muscular bodies. That actually facilitates their short-distance sprints, with their long legs, strong muscles and flexible spines allowing them to reach such high speeds. Indeed, the more muscular they are, the faster their sprinting. Tigers also have large, padded paws which provide traction and help them to navigate various challenging terrains with ease such as forests and grasslands. 

Comparing the Speed of a Tiger 

The next time you’re in a car or a bus travelling at 40 mph, take a second to think about how fast you’re going and how amazing it is that a tiger can also reach such speeds over short distances. To put tigers’ speed into context, the fastest human was Usain Bolt who at the peak of his career ran 100 metres in 9.58 seconds, which is roughly 27.5 miles per hour. Like tigers, though, humans can’t sustain this speed. 

If you love tigers and are looking for local family shows that feature this beautiful animal, don’t miss The Tiger Who Came to Tea. Touring the UK this autumn, it’s an Olivier Award-nominated family theatre show packed with sing-along songs, dancing and clumsy chaos. Aimed at kids ages three and above, it’s just 55 minutes with no interval, and makes for a perfect day out. Book your family theatre tickets today by visiting the show’s website or contacting your local theatre.