Pleistocene remains of the lion-like cat (Panthera atrox) from the Yukon Territory and northern Alaska

Abstract

Skull and forelimb fragments of the large, extinct cat (Panthera atrox) from Pleistocene sediments in the Dawson area, Yukon Territory, are the first records of the species for Canada. A further specimen from the Kaolak River, near the arctic coast of Alaska, significantly extends the known northward range of this cat. The species has been reported from approximately 26 localities from Alaska to Peru, and may have migrated from Eurasia just prior to the Sangamon interglacial. Data reviewed suggest that Panthera atrox from North America, the Eurasian "cave lion" Panthera leo spelaea, and the large Chinese cat Panthera youngi are conspecific.