Here are some common prey animals of saber-toothed cats:
* Large herbivores:
* Mammoths: These massive animals were a prime target for the larger saber-toothed cats.
* Mastodons: Similar to mammoths, mastodons were large, plant-eating creatures.
* Giant sloths: Ground sloths, some reaching the size of a small car, were another common prey.
* Horses: Larger, extinct horse species were also part of their diet.
* Bison: Similar to modern bison, these herbivores were a good source of food.
* Smaller animals:
* Deer: Various deer species were likely hunted by smaller saber-toothed cats.
* Antelope: Like deer, antelope were a common prey animal.
* Rodents: Larger saber-toothed cats might have occasionally hunted large rodents.
It's important to note that:
* Hunting strategies: Saber-toothed cats likely used their long, sharp canines to deliver lethal bites to the throat or neck of their prey.
* Ambush predators: They were likely ambush predators, using their strong bodies and powerful limbs to overpower their prey.
* Scavenging: There is evidence that some saber-toothed cats may have also scavenged on carcasses.
Overall, the prey of saber-toothed cats consisted of a variety of large and small herbivores, depending on the species and its environment.