Sabre-Tooth Cat WHAT IT IS A massive cat with huge canines. WHERE TO SPOT IT Grassy and woodland areas of North and South America. SIZE About a metre high, a little smaller than an African lion, but heavier - weight up to 200 kg. HEAD Enormous flattened upper canines protrude up to 18cm from the jaw. Behind them are large blade-like teeth for cutting up flesh. FUR Cropped, orange and brown BODY SHAPE Very powerful front quarters for bringing down prey. Rather long neck (for a cat) - useful for exploring carcasses. Short tail. BEHAVIOUR Lives in groups and cares for sick and injured. But can become highly aggressive and will fight its own kind. FOOD Exclusively meat, and prefers the finest cuts, avoiding gristle and bone. Canines are not used to stab or slash, but to slice deep into prey held down by forelimbs. SIGNS Scats (droppings) containing fur of victims. Carcasses of kills. Roaring and squealing as cats pounce on prey. WARNING! This animal lies in ambush for its prey so hiking in sabre-tooth country is not recommended! Excerpted from The Ice Age Tracker's Guide by Adrian Lister All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
