Pleistocene Herbivores and their Predators

[brotherbear]

Ice Age Mammals of North America by Ian M. Lange.

Even-Toed Ungulates - Order Artiodactyla.

Deer - Family Cervidae. Every kind of deer living in North America today was here during the Pleistocene, and lots more. We know that grizzlies prey upon the larger species such as caribou, elk, and moose. During the Pleistocene, there was a moose even larger than today's specimen; Alces latifrons, the broad-fronted moose.

Pronghorns - Family Antilocapridae. There were a large variety of pronghorns during the Ice Age, all of them small and fleet-footed. Not likely a choice prey animal for grizzlies.

Saigas - Family Bovidae - Subfamily Antilopinae. These antelope were small and swift; not likely grizzly prey.

Sheep, goats, and musk oxen - Subfamily Caprinae. Both the sheep and goats were unlikely prey for grizzly bears. They mostly live in mountainous terrain where they are quick and agile. As for the musk oxen ( Ovibos moschatus ), they are a well-known grizzly prey choice. The modern musk ox of the open tudra can weigh 900 pounds.

The shrub ox ( Euceratherium collinum ), Soergel's ox ( Soergelia mayfieldi ), and the woodland musk ox ( Symbos cavifrons ) all lived in North America during the Pleistocene. The muscular shrub ox weighed roughly from 1,500 to 1,700 pounds. Soergel's ox weighed roughly 2,000 pounds. The woodland musk ox was taller but less bulky than the musk ox of the arctic tundra. Reply