Vocal. Tigers utilize a variety of vocalizations to communicate over long distances. Roaring is produced in a variety of situations such as taking down large prey, signaling sexual receptivity and females calling to their young. These roars may be heard from distances over 3 km (1.8 mi.).

Why do tigers roar?

Like all the big cats, tigers stalk and pounce on their victims. Roaring runs the risk of alerting prey to their presence and scaring them away. Scientists have found that tigers roar when they are challenged, threatened, or afraid. For the most part, tigers roar at other tigers.

Do tigers ever roar?

She said, "Tigers are just like other big cats and they do have vocal chords. With tigers and lions, they're actually called vocal folds. ... But the shape is what allows them to get out that loud roar that everybody knows big cats to do."