There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
I have always been somewhat baffled by two conflicting views concerning brown bear and tiger behavior towards each other. Both views from highly reliable sources. It is often mentioned that mature males of both species completely avoid contact with each other. Then, other sources claim that their is an animosity between them similar to that between the lion and the spotted hyena. I remember the reports of the male grizzly that escaped from Predator World in Missouri in 2007. Instead of leaving the zoo property after escaping his enclosure, the bear went straight to a tigers enclosure and found his way into it. Inside was a tigress, and the grizzly killed her.
Is it possible for an American grizzly to instinctively recognize the scent of a tiger? Or, was this this event merely a quirk? As for the two conflicting view points, I believe that there is some truth to both. Wild animals do not study a rule book. I believe that most fights that do occur between mature males of both species occur at kill sites. However, I would think that more often as not, one or the other simply backs away and the confrontation is decided by bluff.
But, if like you say ( Peter ) if there is a strong animosity between them, then perhaps there is more violence in the taiga than I would have guessed.