Rare Nimravus Fossil Skull — False Saber-Toothed Cat, Oligocene

North America, Shannon County, South Dakota, Sharps Formation, Oligocene. Ca. 24–31 million years old. A thrilling and rare fossilized skull from the prehistoric Nimravus, a false saber-toothed cat in the Nimravidae family. This skull is displayed with the lower jaw slightly open, so it is easy to imagine this creature crouching and waiting to ambush unwary prey! The lower and upper jaws beautifully show off the large and once-razor sharp saber and canine teeth. This saber-toothed mammal once roamed prehistoric North America, and its oversized canines are similar to the famous Smilodon (saber-toothed tiger); however, Nimravus was not a true cat! These animals were 4 feet in length (1.4 meters) and probably ambushed birds and smaller mammals rather than running after prey. This rare pseudo-cat is awe inspiring and a remarkable part of prehistorical fauna that very few collectors have the opportunity to see! Size: 9" L x 5" W (22.9 cm x 12.7 cm); 10.25" H (26 cm) on included custom stand; saber size: 1.25" L (3.2 cm) Size: 9" W x 7.5" H x 5" D (22.9 cm W x 19.1 cm H x 12.7 cm D); of stand: 8.5" W x 9.5" H x 5.25" D (21.6 cm W x 24.1 cm H x 13.3 cm D).

Provenance: private Texas, USA Collection