While other animals like mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and ground sloths are also frequently found, the Dire Wolf's remains are far more numerous. It's estimated that over 4,000 Dire Wolf skeletons have been unearthed, making it the dominant species in the La Brea fossil record.
This dominance likely reflects several factors:
* Pack hunting: Dire Wolves were pack hunters, meaning they would often travel in groups, increasing the chances of multiple individuals getting stuck in the tar.
* Scavenging: They were also likely drawn to the area by the scent of decaying animals already trapped in the pits, leading to their own entrapment.
* Abundant prey: The La Brea area provided a rich source of prey for Dire Wolves, making them frequent visitors to the dangerous area.
However, it's important to note that the prevalence of Dire Wolf remains doesn't necessarily mean they were the most numerous animals in the ecosystem. The unique preservation environment of the tar pits favors larger, bony animals, making it difficult to determine the relative populations of different species.