Felids Interactions - Interspecific Conflicts

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Democrat Peru, Ind., Feb. 6. A battle to the death, amid the roaring of lions, tigers, jaguars, hyenas and bears, occurred in the rehearing area at one Hagenbeck - Wallace circus winter quarters a few days ago. The combatants were a big Bengal tiger and a young leopard, and the latter still lives, having clawed out the vitals of the larger beast. The conflict lasted fully thirty minutes and was witnessed by thirty men, all of whom were powerless to separate the combatants. The big tiger was the one seen In Hagenbeck's show at the St. Louis exposition and had always been hard to control. The tiger was valued at $1,000. Yesterday, for the first time this winter, the trainer, Philip Casting, attempted a rehearsal. All the animals used In the big act were brought into the arena and all seemed as tame as pets except the tiger. Immediately on reaching the arena the big brute became vicious and attempted to strike the trainer, who forced the animal Into a corner. Casting then went ahead with the rehearsal. As soon as his back was turned the tiger struck the leopard, which sat on a box near by. The smaller animals struck back and then the battle began. Twice the leopard fastened Its teeth In the tiger's neck and was thrown off. Anticipating a fierce struggle, Casting hurried the other animals out of the arena and then gave his attention to the fighting beasts. The tiger sprang at him and he was forced to quit the arena in order to escape with his life. The leopard tried to get away but was not quick enough. The tiger tossed the leopard In the air a couple of times and beat the smaller animal with Its large paws overthe head almost to Insensibility but finally the, smaller animal got its second wind and fought both ferociousness that was remarkable. While being held down the leopard clawed the tiger's breast until there were great wide gashes in the big ani mal, which soon began to weaken. Continuing its clawing, the leopard, finished its enemy by tearing out the tiger's vital organs. Then the leopard, torn and bleeding, fell exhausted beside the dead body of its adversary. The trainer and other attaches of the circus say the growls and howls and howls of the other animals during the battle were terrific and the excitement was intense.

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