Dire wolf

The dire wolf was an extinct canid species native to the Americas during the Pleistocene Epoch.

The dire wolf was an extinct canid species native to the Americas during the Pleistocene Epoch. It was a large, powerfully built predator that became extinct about 10,000 years ago. Dire wolf fossils are especially common at La Brea Tar Pits in California, and have also been reported from Canada, making the species relevant to Canadian readers interested in Ice Age mammals.

Description

The dire wolf was one of the largest canids of Late Pleistocene North America, with a sturdy build, large skull, and powerful teeth. It was comparable in size to the largest gray wolves but generally more heavily built. Adults reached up to about 178 cm (70 in) in length, stood about 96.5 cm (38 in) at the shoulder, and weighed roughly 59–68 kg (130–150 lb).

Range and habitat

Dire wolves lived across much of North America and parts of western South America. Fossils indicate they occupied diverse environments, including grasslands, open woodlands, wetlands, and coastal areas. Fossils have been found widely across North America, including Alaska, California, Florida, and Mexico, with some finds in South America. Dire wolf fossils are also reported from Canada.

Diet

Dire wolves were carnivores that appear to have focused on large herbivores, especially bison and horses, while also taking other prey such as camels and ground sloths. Bone chemistry suggests they could shift to other food sources and occasionally scavenge.

Extinction

Dire wolves disappeared during the Quaternary extinction event, around the end of the last Ice Age. Proposed causes include loss of megaherbivore prey, climate change, and competition with other species.