Felids Interactions - Interspecific Conflicts

[Roflcopters]

I just watched the video and inquired about it to get a sense of what really happened because Sloth Bears and Tigers in general have a no conflict policy and it turns out, Matkasur's two little cubs along with Maya were nearby and Matkasur saw the female sloth bear as a possible threat so it wanted to keep the female sloth bear away from entering the waterhole. this was no predation attempt, Matkasur was not on empty stomach and obviously wasnt hunting for food. being a resident male and a very protective father, he did whatever he could to keep the sloth bear away and succeeded in doing so. if you watch the end of the video, even after being chased by the female bear. he made sure to not give her access to the waterhole. eventually the bear turned back and dissappeared deep into the forest. Tigers and Sloth bears usually share waterholes but when a mother tigress is nursing or if the tiger cubs are still in their sub adult stages, Sloth bears are usually not allowed anywhere near them. this reminds me of the time when Wagdoh clan confronted a sloth bear over a waterhole, obviously drawn by thirst. sometimes there really isnt a choice. for those of you that havent seen this before.

*This image is copyright of its original author

large male Sloth bear trying to scare the female cub, while Wagdoh was asleep. 

*This image is copyright of its original author

Wagdoh waking up to see a Sloth bear trying to scare off the cub. 

*This image is copyright of its original author

full story

this sloth bear, drawn by thirst came very close to the artificial water hole where 6 tigers were present (male,female and 4 cubs). only 1 cub noticed it and moved even closer until the bear saw it..there was a stand off for couple of seconds and bear stood up on its hind legs..but the bold cub stood its ground..this commotion woke up the male tiger, who was sleeping in water hole, almost invisible..after seeing the bear, this huge male moved in with unbelievable speed..followed by 2 cubs and the tigress!!! Reply