(S. gracilis, S. fatalis, and S. populator)
Consisting of three species that differed mostly by size and weight, the Smilodon was a genus of feline that roamed prehistoric North and South America. They ranged from 55 to 100 kg (120 to 220 lb) to 220 to 400 kg (490 to 880 lb) and possessed massive canines that grew to 18 cm long (7 inches).

With more developed forelimbs and musculature than any modern big cat, the Smilodon was able to take down step bison, camels, ground sloths, and other megafauna prey. Canines were serrated on both front and back, creating a more devastating bite. Though date continues as to how they killed their prey, it is generally accepted that their bite was stronger than modern cats due to the bending strength of the otherwise fragile canine.

There is no conclusive reason as to why the Smilodon went extinct in the Quaternary extinction event, along with animals like the mammoth and dire wolf. A combination of climate change, inability to adapt to new prey animals, and competition with humans may have been its downfall, but controversy remains.

Extinction Date: 10,000 Years Ago