Disclaimer: Fact sheets on prehistoric (extinct) species contain archived content and are no longer being updated. At the time of publication, these pages summarized the best available science. However, some content may become outdated as scientists report new discoveries.
| Taxonomy | Physical Characteristics |
|---|---|
|
Describer (Date): Lund 1842 Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Felidae Genus: Smilodon Species: Smilodon fatalis - extinct |
Body Weight:160 - 280 kg (353 - 617 lb) Body Length: 175 cm (68.9 in) Tail Length: 35 cm (13.8 in) Height at Shoulder: 100 cm (39.4 in) |
| Distribution & Status | Behavior & Ecology |
|
Range: North, Central, and South Americas Habitat: Forests, brushy plains, margins of woodlands Status: went extinct 13,000 years ago |
Locomotion: ambush predator; not built for long-distance running Activity Cycle: unknown Social Groups: possible cooperative hunting, although small brain size argues for solitary life-style Diet: large mammls such as bison, griant ground sloths, young mammoths and mastodons, horses, camels Predators: no predators on healthy adults |
| Reproduction & Development | Species Highlights |
| Longevity: unknown |
Feature Facts
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© 2009 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
How to cite: Saber-toothed Cat (Smilodon fatalis) Fact Sheet. c2009. San Diego (CA): San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; [accessed YYYY Mmm dd]. http://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/ extinctsaber-toothedcat.
(note: replace YYYY Mmm dd with date accessed, e.g., 2015 Sep 10)
Disclaimer: Although San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance makes every attempt to provide accurate information, some of the facts provided may become outdated or replaced by new research findings. Questions and comments may be addressed to library@sdzwa.org.
