Oxyaena

Oxyaena Temporal range: Late Paleocene–Early Eocene PreЄ Є O S D C P T J K Pg N
Oxyaena lupina skeletal restoration
Conservation status
Fossil
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Mammalia
Order:	Creodonta
Family:	Oxyaenidae
Genus:	Oxyaena Cope, 1874
Species
O. lupina (type) O. forcipata O. gulo O. intermedia O. pardalis O. simpsoni

Oxyaena ("Sharp" or "Drawn-out" + hyena) is an extinct genus of extinct creodont mammal from the latest Paleocene to early Eocene of North America (most specimens being found in Colorado). The species were superficially cat or wolverine-like, with a flexible body 1 metre (3.3 ft) long, and short limbs.

Restoration of Oxyaena lupina

Oxyaena had a broad, low skull (20 cm. long) with a long facial part and a massive lower jaw, while its body and tail were long and its five-toed limbs were short.

Unlike true cats, Oxyaena was plantigrade, trodding on the whole surface of its soles.

It is presumed that Oxyaena was a leopard-like predator that could climb trees in search of prey.

References

Benes, Josef. Prehistoric Animals and Plants. Pg. 203. Prague: Artia, 1979.