Smilodon was a large, powerful cat. The largest species, Smilodon populator, was about 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) tall at the shoulder and weighed up to 280 kilograms (620 lb). Smilodon was heavily built, with short, muscular limbs and a long tail. Its fur was typically a tawny or reddish-brown colour, with dark spots or stripes. The most distinctive feature of Smilodon was its elongated, dagger-like upper canine teeth. These teeth were up to 28 centimetres (11 in) long and could be used to inflict deep, penetrating wounds.
Smilodon was an apex predator, preying on large mammals such as mammoths, mastodons, giant ground sloths, and bison. It is thought that Smilodon hunted by ambushing its prey from cover and then using its powerful jaws and canine teeth to kill. Smilodon was likely a social animal, living in prides of up to 20 individuals. Cubs were born blind and helpless, but could grow to be fully independent by the time they were two years old.
Smilodon became extinct about 10,000 years ago, at the end of the Pleistocene epoch. The cause of its extinction is not fully understood, but it may have been due to a combination of factors, such as climate change, competition from other predators, and hunting by humans.