Fauna
Mammal

Patriofelis ulta

Patriofelis ulta

Patriofelis ulta was a robust oxyaenid predator that stalked the subtropical river systems and dense woodlands of middle Eocene North America. Resembling a heavy, short-limbed felid or wolverine, it possessed crushing premolars and powerful jaw musculature suited for cracking bones and tough hides. Its broad, flexible feet and sturdy skeleton suggest an ambush hunter adapted to grappling heavy prey in close quarters rather than chasing it down over open ground.

FossilCarnivore
Patriofelis ulta reference
Gally242 / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
ExtinctConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXExtinctRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyHyrachyus, Orohippus, Freshwater turtles
ThreatsEocene cooling trends, floral restructuring, and competition with newer carnivorous lineages
HabitatsSubtropical riparian forests and floodplain woodlands
Life spanUnknown; estimated 12–18 years
Classification
  1. FamilyOxyaenidae
  2. SpeciesPatriofelis ulta
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Extinct species known only from fossil deposits; safe to observe in museum exhibits.
Responsible observation
  • Museum Viewing: Examine fossilized dentition in natural history exhibits to observe its specialized bone-crushing shear blades.
  • Geological Context: Research the Bridger Formation in Wyoming to visualize the lush river basin ecosystem this predator once inhabited.
Related species
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