Saber-Toothed Cat

Saber-toothed cats were fierce predators with enormous fangs. The most famous one is called Smilodon. Despite their name, they were not closely related to modern cats. They lived from about 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago.

Those Famous Teeth

Smilodon's canine teeth were up to 7 inches long. They were flat and shaped like a knife blade. Despite being long, these teeth were somewhat fragile. Scientists think Smilodon used them to deliver a quick, deep bite to the throat of its prey. It could open its mouth incredibly wide, about 120 degrees.

Powerful Hunters

Smilodon was about the size of a modern lion but much heavier. It weighed up to 620 pounds. It had very strong front legs and shoulders. Scientists think it wrestled prey to the ground before biting. It hunted large animals like bison, horses, and young mammoths.

Fun Facts

• Smilodon could open its jaws to 120 degrees — twice as wide as a modern lion.
• Over 2,000 Smilodon fossils have been found in the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles.
• Smilodon is the state fossil of California.

Did You Know?

The La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles have preserved thousands of saber-toothed cat fossils. Animals got stuck in the sticky tar, and then predators like Smilodon got stuck trying to eat them!