By: Jason, Will, Brandon, and Jimmy
What Are Dire Wolves(Canis Dirus)?
Dire wolves were canines that were slightly larger than modern gray wolves. They hunted in packs of 30 or more.
These animals went extinct at the end of the ice age, which was about 10,000 years ago. They lasted around 284,000 years.
These animals went extinct at the end of the ice age, which was about 10,000 years ago. They lasted around 284,000 years.
Where Did the Dire Wolves Live?
Dire wolves lived all over the United States and the west coast of South America.
They lived in plains, grasslands, and forested mountain environments.
They lived in plains, grasslands, and forested mountain environments.
Size and Shape
The average dire wolf's weight varied from 110lbs to 175lbs.
They were about 2.6 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet in length.
They were about 2.6 feet tall and 5 to 6 feet in length.
Diet
| Animal | Height | Length | Weight | Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyracotherium | 1ft | 2ft | 50lbs | 
|
| Bison Latifrons | 8ft | 15.6ft | 4000lbs | 
|
The dire wolves competed against smilodon and humans for food.
What Ended the Dire Wolves?
There are many theories on how the dire wolves went extinct. The main theory on how the dire wolves went extinct is the appearance of humans.
They hunted the same animals as the dire wolves and smilodons. Another theory is that a comet wiped out the dire wolves.
This theory isn't supported because some other species like the grey wolves didn't die out too.
They hunted the same animals as the dire wolves and smilodons. Another theory is that a comet wiped out the dire wolves.
This theory isn't supported because some other species like the grey wolves didn't die out too.
The La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits is located in Los Angeles, California. The tar pits trapped animals
in the tar by hardening and looking like a surface to sustain the animal's weight, but when they walk on it,
they fall in and get stuck. Paleontologists believe that there are so many remains of the dire wolf because
they saw easy prey stuck in the tar and got stuck on their own before reaching the prey or after eating.
in the tar by hardening and looking like a surface to sustain the animal's weight, but when they walk on it,
they fall in and get stuck. Paleontologists believe that there are so many remains of the dire wolf because
they saw easy prey stuck in the tar and got stuck on their own before reaching the prey or after eating.
Sources:
wesmantoddshaw.hubpages.com
www.direwolfproject.com
www.naturalworlds.org
http://www.prehistoric-wildlife.com
www.enchantedlearning.com
dinosaurs.about.com
library.sandiegozoo.org
www.tarpits.org
Website designed by: Jason
