Pig-nosed Turtle

SPECIES CARETTOCHELYS INSCULPTA

Map_PigNosedTurtle

DISTRIBUTION

Sabre
TOP_Ice_Age_Divider
Icon

GENUS

Smilodon

Icon

DIET

Carnivore

Icon

LIVED IN

Grasslands, savannas & open woodlands

Icon

PERIOD

Pleistocene to Early Holocene

Smilodon fatalis – "Deadly Knife Tooth"

The Sabre-Toothed Tiger was a powerful Ice Age predator known for its two long, curved canine teeth. These teeth could grow up to 28 cm—about the length of an adult human hand—and extended well below its jaw.

 

Like modern lions, Sabre-Toothed Tigers had throat bones that suggest they may have been able to roar. They may also have lived and hunted in groups, helping them take down large prey in cold, open landscapes.

 

Despite their name, Sabre-Toothed Tigers are not closely related to today’s tigers. They were heavier, stronger, and more heavily built, suited to ambush hunting rather than speed. Unlike modern big cats, they had shorter legs and shorter tails, which made them less adapted for running and balance.

Elephant

 

DID YOU
KNOW?

 

Sabre-Toothed Tigers used their long canine teeth for gripping and controlling prey, and some research suggests they may have worked like “can openers” on tough hides.

Bottom_Ice_Age_Divider

 

BUT HURRY – DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO SEE THESE FROSTY WONDERS BEFORE THEY MELT AWAY.

 

Sign up to our newsletter