Imagine a cat that was as big as a lion, but had teeth that were twice as long and curved like blades. This was the saber-toothed tiger, one of the most fearsome predators of the ancient world. They lived in North and South America during the Pleistocene Epoch, from about 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. It had a powerful body, short legs, and a long tail. Its most striking feature was its pair of upper canine teeth, which could reach up to 20 cm (8 in) in length.

The saber-toothed tiger was a social animal that may have hunted in packs and cared for its young. It went extinct around 10,000 years ago, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most fearsome predators to ever roam the Earth.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Argentina

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 10,000 years ago

Bolivia

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 10,000 years ago

Brazil

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 10,000 years ago

Chile

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 10,000 years ago

Colombia

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 10,000 years ago

Ecuador

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 10,000 years ago

Guyana

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 10,000 years ago

Paraguay

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 10,000 years ago

Peru

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 10,000 years ago

Suriname

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 10,000 years ago

Uruguay

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 10,000 years ago

Venezuela

Official estimate

EX

Extinct 10,000 years ago