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TM
SABERTOOTH CAT
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Smilodon fatalis californicus
BEHAVIOR
As the second most common carnivore found at La Brea, Smilodon may have lived in cooperative families & coalitions, raising offspring and taking care of the wounded and elderly.
DIET
Sabertooth cats show dietary variation based on regional climates; camel, bison & ground sloth were hunted during interglacials, while tapir, peccary and dwarf pronghorn were preferred during the giacial periods.
HABITAT
As an ambush predator, Smilodon fatalis stalked across both woodland and shrubland habitats, depending more on the former than its competitor, Aenocyon dirus.
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