Carocarus

Carocarus is a genus of extinct carnivorous mammals that lived during the Miocene epoch, approximately 23 to 5 million years ago. The genus is known from fossils found in Europe, particularly in France and Germany. Carocarus is characterized by its robust build, with a large skull and powerful jaws, indicating that it was a formidable predator.

The most well-known species of Carocarus is Carocarus lartetii, named after the French paleontologist Pierre Lartet. This species is estimated to have weighed around 150 kilograms (330 pounds) and measured about 2 meters (6.6 feet) in length. It had a stocky body, short legs, and a long, muscular tail. The skull of Carocarus lartetii was broad and flat, with strong jaws lined with sharp teeth, including large canines and premolars.

Carocarus is believed to have been an ambush predator, using its powerful jaws and sharp teeth to take down prey. Its robust build and strong jaws suggest that it could have hunted large prey, possibly including other carnivores and even small herbivores. The genus Carocarus provides valuable insights into the diversity of carnivorous mammals during the Miocene epoch and helps scientists understand the evolution of modern carnivores.