The "dire wolf" (Aenocyon dirus) is an extinct species of canid that lived in North America during the Pleistocene, approximately 1.8 million to 10,000 years ago. It is also known as the "wolf of ferocity" due to its large size and powerful appearance. Aenocyon dirus belongs to the Caninae subfamily and is a species related to modern wolves (Canis lupus) and coyotes (Canis latrans).
Physical Characteristics: The dire wolf was considerably larger than today's gray wolves. Its size is estimated to have been about 25% larger than modern gray wolves. Males could reach a length of up to 1.8 meters, not including the tail, which measured around 30 centimeters. His height at the cross could exceed 80 centimeters, and his weight ranged from 45 to 70 kilograms.
Behavior and Feeding: Based on fossil evidence and in comparison to other canids, it is believed that the dire wolf exhibited similar social behavior to modern wolves, suggesting that they lived in hierarchical packs. It is thought that they hunted large game such as bison, camels, horses, and other large animals that inhabited North America during the Pleistocene.
Extinction: The extinction of the dire wolf, like that of many other large Pleistocene mammals, has been attributed to climate change, habitat alteration, and the arrival of the first humans in the Americas. The combination of these factors may have had a significant impact on populations of large prey and predators, ultimately leading to the demise of the dire wolf.
Approximate measurements of the Aenocyon:
- Scale 1:35
- Length 45mm
- Height 50mm
- Snout-tail base length 50 mm
- Scale 1:20
- Length 87mm
- Height 79mm
- Snout-base tail length 87 mm
