When a wild tiger grabs a camera trap, it is often showcasing its natural curiosity and territorial behavior. Tigers, being apex predators, are highly inquisitive about new objects in their environment. On November 24, 2024, a young male tiger grabbed a camera trap placed on a stump, carried it about 100 meters away, and then dropped it. It took some time for the Nepal Tiger Trust team to find the camera, and this is not the first time we have observed such behavior.
Here are a few possible reasons for this behavior:
Curiosity: Tigers are intelligent and curious animals. They might investigate and interact with unfamiliar objects, like a camera trap, to understand what it is.
Territorial Marking: By interacting with the camera trap, the tiger might be marking it with its scent to establish territory. This is a common behavior among big cats.
Playfulness: Sometimes, especially younger tigers, can exhibit playful behavior. Grabbing and playing with a camera trap could be part of this playful nature.
It's always fascinating to observe and try to understand the behavior of wild tigers in their natural habitats!