Until recently there were only a few incomplete specimens of Hoplophoneus occidentalis known, which made a good description of the species difficult. Occidentalis was about the size of a large leopard. It sported large canines, up to 4 inches in length. It was the largest saber toothed ‘cat’ living in North America’s Serengeti (the Great Plains during the Oligocene Period).

Our skull replica is from one of the very best original Hoplophoneus occidentalis saber-toothed ‘cat’ skulls that have been found to date. The right side saber, including the root, was missing from the original. Erosion to the bone that covered the root, indicates an infection had occurred, making it likely the saber was lost during life.

Note: some portions of the original fossil may have been scientifically restored.