Aelurodon

Aelurodon is an extinct genus of nimravid, also known as false saber-toothed cats, that lived in North America during the late Oligocene and early Miocene epochs. These predatory mammals were characterized by their large size and prominent canine teeth, though their fangs were typically shorter and more saber-like than those of true saber-toothed cats. Aelurodon possessed a robust build, suggesting it was a powerful hunter.

Fossil evidence indicates that Aelurodon inhabited a variety of terrestrial environments, likely preying on a range of herbivores common during its time. Its cranial morphology and dentition suggest a predatory lifestyle, adapted for dispatching prey. While its exact position within the nimravid family tree is still debated, Aelurodon represents a significant component of the predatory fauna of the Oligocene and Miocene. The genus is primarily known from fragmentary remains, but these fossils have provided valuable insights into the evolution of predatory mammals in North America.