Smilodon
|
|
|
The saber-toothed cat. Smilodon is one of the last and largest machairodontine cats. It's infamous for the two massively enlarged canine teeth that extend far beyond the bottom of the lower jaw, much larger than in any other saber-toothed animal. Smilodon has a massive gape - almost 120 degrees! Its skull and forelimbs are robust, and unlike many modern cats it has a short tail. The sabers are highly fragile and would break unless it could steadily bite into flesh. Its hunting strategy involves ambushing its prey and pinning it down with its massive forelimbs, arranging it so the neck is clearly in view. At this point, it drives the saber teeth into the neck like an old-fashioned can opener. The teeth prevent Smilodon from eating too close to bone, leaving plenty for scavengers. Smilodon lived in forested environments throughout the United States and Mexico. Whether or not Smilodon lived in small groups is inconclusive. It went extinct shortly after the last ice age ended and humans colonized North America. Our trio of Smilodon live in the Big Cat complex. We have one male (Half Tooth) and two females (Lady and Brea). They enjoy each other's company, grooming one another, napping together and play-fighting. |
Scientific name Location Time Length Diet |