Smilodon was the largest saber-toothed cat that ever lived. It is best known from the 1000+ specimens found at the La Brea tar deposits in Los Angeles California, although it ranged all over North and South America. Smilodon was a very powerful animal, about the size of a modern day lion, but with more robust and powerful forelimbs. Smilodon’s bobtail suggests that instead of chasing down its victims it would lie in wait, ambushing its unsuspecting prey using its long canines to slash through the victim’s throat severing the windpipe and cutting the jugular. Despite such violence they probably lived in small social groups caring for the young, old and even the sick members of the pride.

Our Smilodon skull with associated lower jaw is cast from a specimen collected in Peru. The original was prepared and molded as found in situ (in matrix). The sabers are over 8 inches long! The disarticulated pair of jaws is inverted on the left side of the skull, as found.

Other fossils preserved within its nasal cavity include what appears to be a fox maxilla and an unidentified toe bone.

Designed for tabletop or wall display this replica will enhance any room or exhibit!