Top 10 Prehistoric Mammal Predators
Andrewsarchus - Even though it looks similar to a wolf or a big cat, it is actually closely related to the sheep. Scientists have yet to discover whether this animal is a hunter or a scavenger.
Bear Dog - Despite its name it is not a mix of the Bear or a Dog, but it is in the canine family. It crossed over from Europe in America and immediately because the top predator because of its incredible speed.
Cave Bear - Found in Europe it is believed that the went extinct around 27,000 years ago due to over hunting by humans and climate change.
Dire Wolf - The Dire Wolf was a species found all over the world and was the ancestor of the Gray Wolf and the Red Wolf, which later out competed the Dire Wolf into extinction.
Entelodont - A common name for this animal is the 'hell pig' as it is related to modern pigs. It was the top predator until the Bear dog came over to America from Europe.
Hyaenodon - Despite its name it is not related to Hyaenas, this was one of the larger predators at that time and they were one of the reasons that drove the Sabre Tooth Cats into extinction.
Mesonyx - This was a wolf like animal, instead of having claws its toes were sharpened at the end, which was more effective against prey, but it was quickly out competed by larger predators.
Short Faced Bear - If this Bear were to be alive today with would be the largest mammalian predator on land. It went extinct due to over hunting and climate change.
Smilodon - The biggest of the sabre tooth cats it was an effective killer with 6-8 inch canines. Eventually it was out competed by bigger predators and climate change.
Thylacosmilus - Another species of the sabre tooth cats, it was smaller than some of the others of its relatives but it is well known for its unusual shaped jaw. It went extinct due to climate change and it was out competed.
