Dire Wolf
Aenocyon dirus
Conservation Status
Data DeficientMammalia · Carnivora · Canidae
About
The dire wolf is an extinct species of canine which was native to the Americas during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene epochs. The species was named in 1858, four years after the first specimen had been found. Two subspecies are proposed, Aenocyon dirus guildayi and Aenocyon dirus dirus, but this assignment has been recently considered questionable. The largest collection of its fossils has been obtained from the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles.
Fun Fact
The largest collection of its fossils has been obtained from the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found across a broad range of habitats including the plains, grasslands, and some forested mountain areas of North America, the arid savannah of South America, and possibly the steppes of eastern Asia.
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
000 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance