Eurasian cave lion

Roaming the frozen tundras of Europe and Asia, this mighty lion stood at the top of the food chain – a true king of the Ice Age

Heinrich Harder


Eurasian cave lion

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

Roaming the frozen tundras of Europe and Asia, this mighty lion stood at the top of the food chain – a true king of the Ice Age

Population

A majestic predator that once roamed the grasslands of Europe and Asia during the Pleistocene era. This fearsome feline was one of the largest big cats ever, with males weighing up to 700 pounds and standing up to 4 feet tall at the shoulder. Its powerful jaws and sharp teeth were adapted for hunting large prey, such as mammoths and bison, making it a formidable predator of its time.

But its distinctive appearance truly sets the Eurasian cave lion apart from other big cats. Unlike modern lions, the cave lion was covered in a thick fur coat, perfect for surviving in the harsh climates of the Ice Age. Its fur was often reddish-brown with a distinct dark mane, giving it a regal appearance. Sadly, the Eurasian cave lion went extinct around 10,000 years ago, but scientists are still piecing together the fascinating story of this magnificent beast.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Bangladesh
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Belarus
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Bulgaria
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
China
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Estonia
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Myanmar
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
India
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Kazakhstan
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Latvia
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Lithuania
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Moldova
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Mongolia
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Pakistan
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Poland
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Romania
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Russia
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
Ukraine
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago
United States
Official estimate
EX
Extinct 12,000 years ago

Anything we've missed?

Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!

Suggest an edit

Get to know me

Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No