Sabre-Toothed Cat Colouring

Smilodon fatalis was a sabre-toothed cat of the Americas. Fossils occur across much of North America and in parts of western South America, and thousands of bones have been recovered from the asphalt deposits at Rancho La Brea in Los Angeles, California. It lived during the Pleistocene and survived until roughly 11,000 to 10,000 years ago. Smilodon fatalis was similar in height to a large modern lion but much more powerfully built, often estimated at about 160 to 280 kilograms. It had a deep chest, very strong forelimbs, a short tail and upper canine teeth that could grow impressively long. Its exact natural lifespan is unknown, although healed injuries show that some individuals survived serious damage. The famous canines were not ordinary fangs enlarged in every direction. They were long and flattened from side to side. Smilodon could open its jaws unusually wide, while strong neck and front-leg muscles helped it control large prey. Its special body plan was built for close, careful attacks rather than long chases. Evidence from damaged teeth and bones has led scientists to study how these cats fed and whether they sometimes lived socially, but several details remain debated. Smilodon disappeared during the great late-Ice-Age extinction. No named last cat was recorded. Climate and vegetation changed quickly, many big herbivores vanished, and people were spreading through the Americas. Reduced prey, human effects and changing habitats may all have mattered; researchers do not claim one perfectly proven cause. Choose tawny gold, sandy beige, reddish brown or pale grey for the coat. You can add subtle spots, as young modern lions have, but remember that Smilodon's real pattern is unknown. Shade the back and powerful shoulders more deeply while keeping the muzzle and belly light. Colour the long canines ivory, the nose dark brown or black, the scrub plants olive and gold, and the distant hills soft purple or rust. Follow the muscles with curved pencil strokes. Use smooth strokes on the teeth and leave a slim white highlight. Keep the face friendly, and make the two sabres clear without colouring them as sharp metal.

◫ A4 size✎ Bold outlines♡ Ages 3–8

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