Patriofelis

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Patriofelis
Fossil range: middle Eocene
Patriofelis ferox
Patriofelis ferox
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Creodonta
Family: Oxyaenidae
Genus: Patriofelis
?, ?
Species
  • P. ulta
  • P. ferox

Patriofelis was a large, cat-like oxyaenid creodont of middle Eocene, some 45 milion years ago in North America. It was around 1.2-1.8 meters long, not including the tail, making it around the same size as a modern panther. It had short legs with broad feet, suggesting that it may have been a poor runner, but a quite good swimmer. As its close relative Oxyaena was a reasonably good climber, it is possible Patriofelis could climb as well (Robbins 2006). It is found in particular at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, in the U.S. state of Oregon.

Skull of Patriofelis ulta.
Skull of Patriofelis ulta.

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