* Mammoths: Smilodons would have preyed on both adult and juvenile mammoths, which were abundant in their habitats.
* Horses: Various species of horses, including the extinct American horse, were a common food source.
* Bison: Smilodons would have targeted both the massive extinct species and the modern bison.
* Camels: Camelids were another important prey animal, and Smilodons are known to have specialized in hunting them.
* Ground sloths: These large, slow-moving mammals were a significant food source, especially in South America.
* Deer: Smilodons also likely preyed on various species of deer.
* Other large mammals: They may have also consumed other large herbivores, depending on their location and availability.
Hunting Strategy:
Smilodons were ambush predators, using their powerful legs and sharp claws to bring down their prey. Their iconic saber-teeth, which were used to inflict deep wounds, likely played a crucial role in killing large animals. They are also thought to have hunted in packs, which would have made them even more formidable.
Important Note: While the diet of Smilodons is well-studied, it's important to remember that they were extinct thousands of years ago. There is no "saber-toothed tiger diet" that can be replicated today.