Saber-toothed cats are mammals known for their long, curved canine teeth. They are part of the Felidae family but not directly related to modern tigers or lions. They lived about 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago weighed between 160–280 kg. They likely went extinct due to climate change and loss of prey after the Ice Age.
1. Breeds/ Species of Saber-Toothed Cats
Saber-toothed cats were part of the Machairodontinae subfamily and the most famous species include –
Smilodon most well-known lived in North and South America.
Homotherium a faster more dog-like saber-toothed cat
Megantereon smaller but had long canine teeth, lived in Eurasia and Africa
Xenosmilus stockier and had serrated teeth for slicing meat
2. Food Habits of Saber-toothed cats
Saber-toothed cats were apex predators, they hunted large herbivores such as bison, camels, sloths, prehistoric horses, they likely ambushed prey and used their powerful canines for precise throat bites. Some species like Smilodon may have lived in groups, similar to lions.
3. Tourist Attractions for Saber-Toothed Cats
La Brea Tar Pits Los Angeles, USA is one of the richest fossil sites for Smilodon.
Natural History Museum Los Angeles, USA has a great saber-toothed cat exhibit.
American Museum of Natural History New York, USA Houses several fossils.
Royal Tyrrell Museum Canada Features prehistoric mammals including saber-toothed cats.
Museo de La Plata Argentina has fossils of Smilodon populator, one of the largest species.
National Museum of Natural History France Displays fossils of European species.