Amazing Remarkable 10 Year Project -Complete American Lion 17 ” Long -History

Many More pics for your viewing pleasure The History of Lions originates with African Lions at least 2 million years ago & European Cave Lion(Panthera Leo fossilis in France ) in Eastern Europe then Panthera Spelae with dates ranging from 3.4 Million -500,000 years ago for the beginning with end only 10,000 years ago . All lions are decendants of this first lion including American Lion. All Lions are named for their location due to mutations . Due to fossils being so rare all literature published has very few fossils to base anything on . It is believed to come across the Bering Strait 250,000 years ago to Alaska and down through Alaska along the coast and thru western Canada namely Yukon thru British Columbia all the way to LA , California South to Mexico , and then Florida with pieces in S Carolina. Since it came to Alaska almost all people believe its called American lion including me . A few papers after 2009 put Alaskan items separate but those papers can’t see the forest thru the trees. American lion is from Alaska thru Mexico (Northern end) , Canada, Florida and California and the most desired fossil in the world .Cave lions and African lions were living at same time but different species than today with Ivory Coast Barbiary Lions(different Species of African Lion) only extinct for the last few hundred years , and African lions which still exists but different from earlier African Lions . Russian lions also came from Panthera European Cave lion which are much smaller .ed years ago. I have had every extinct lion(not including subspecies) in the universe which no one on the planet can say . As I said researched have partial elements and small samples and conclusions are based on little . Almost all of these lions have very similar features and only differ by size and small DNA differences . In fact American Lion and European lions have almost identical DNA . This one was tested 20 years ago by Larry Martin in Kansas at University so it showed similarities with European Lion so he did research way before others on this cat . While those are similar American lion La Brea is also very similar to Alaskan Lions but did mutate some. Still due to location in Alaska all people should call it American Lion. Mine was purchased when all people considered it American Lion and 90% still do of course as I do. .DNA with other lions also is very similar including Lions from LA. . Everywhere on earth lions are called by where they ended up including American lions. Canada lions right next door miles away were considered American Lions by all as they said they mutated. Now it really hasn’t changed any other persons dealing in Lions as Alaskan lions are American Lions. Atrox is same size of many earlier lions -huge . Only a few writers said the glacier advance was a dividing line on Atrox & Alaskan lions with is not correct so ridiculous as glaciers came as far south as Tennessee in east and California is West . In fact the last million years we have had 9 advances of glaciers every 100,000 years (80,000 ice age glaciers and 20,000 years warm) . In 10,000 more years we will be in another ice age. I’ve had American lion and Florida items and bones and skulls are no different than Alaska lions in any way. I have probably been receipant of more lion material than anyone on earth as all lions are similar . You don’t call African Lions even though some came from Europe- European Lions . Modern African lions are much smaller but still basically the same . The Route these lions took was down thru Alaska into Washington the route to California and Florida . I’ve had 5 European lions and sold them all and partial American lion material(This is only 1 whole l known in world-even museums outside La Brea) and they all look alike. That shows my qualifications on lions. People who deal in limited fossil material are basing any judgments on minimal sources as Lion is so scarce in Alaska and anywhere else . A few individual fossils does not make a compelling argument compared to seeing these items and mutations always occur to some degree due to environment. Since they exist in Americas they are American Lions . I was in Yukon and they had a pelt from an American Lion at a museum and it was labeled American lion, not spelae. La Brea lions from California are the same as Alaskan Lions as I’ve talked to them. I can get you smilodon material but rarely lion so lion is much rarer . This lion size is truly a King of Beasts . I’ve studied lions for years and all people involved in lions call Alaskan Lions, American Lions . I have lots of knowledge on earth on lions because I’ve studied them and sabercats for years .My friend is a writer of sabercat books, and I have actually had a number of American Lions partial jaws but that’s all with a few bones. Anyway almost all of mine is from Alaska and Florida except the feet from Europe and the only one in private hands known . No skulls in Florida exist in private collections except mine(I have an upper) as well as La Brae Tar Pits -all owned by government .This lion is one -of -a -kind as someone can’t get another anywhere . All people in Alaska and Canada including Yukon as I was there and saw one at a museum as one was found frozen and placed as American Lion. I‘ve seen so many times google does not have correct info on dinosaurs and mammals so hope this puts to rest any researchers of google .I also know the top lion expert in the world in Africa and Middle East, and he agrees wholeheartedly. All lions have minor differences even in same countries like Africa but all are closely related -Again all from same lion from Europe -spelea(fossils in France) . Even European spealea now is impossible to find as some were on market a last 10 years but now government controlled areas means no more . These European lions go over $350,000 , and American Lions are over 1/2 million and will rise a lot next 20 years so ones in private hands will never be for sale due to investment . This cat no one has anywhere on earth. Someday maybe you get the chance to buy but not now . Its worth at least 500,000 as one- of- a -kind. The only place on earth they find American Lion was Alaska but not nothing for at least 10 years so how can you price one-of-a kind. No one has an American Lion for sale anywhere at any time La Brae Tar pits even said their lions are from many f different animals -all of them 5 displayed. When I told them I had only 4 lions in one they were amazed. This maybe the only one ever for sale . Yes the feet are cave lion because no American lion feet exists and its the same DNA . One amazing find . Price: $489,333 alan stout

No Where Else on Earth-Almost Totally Original Beautiful American Lion Skeleton(few lions )

HIGHLY ORIGINAL BEAUTIFUL HUGE 17” AMERICAN LION SKULL -The GEM of Fossils

Species : Panthera ATROX Lion (American LION) Species Description : The American lion evolved from the earlier Panthera leo fossilis, which I have from Europe, and this skull is believed to be the best specimen ever found that old. It was believed to be 250,000 years ago when it first came to Alaska over Bering Strait with earlier lions as old as 500,000 years old even though only bits and pieces up to 350,000 years have been found. Also DNA shows this to be identical to Cave Lion so they are identical species in my opinion. This is the largest Lion that ever lived much larger than African Lions with skulls up to 16-18 inches over 15% larger. It is roamed in Alaska, YUKON , California at La Brea and Florida with traces in S Carolina. It is the largest carnivore ever except Short-face Bear Geographic Period : Late Pleistocene Epoch 60,000- 10,000 Geographic time: 50,000-20,000 years ago Item Location : Gold Mine. Alaska (IT was purchased from a Dealer in Southern Alaska Northwest of Skagway, Alaska close to Yukon Item rating and description : 1-10 *10* Words really don’t match how great, wonderful, awe inspiring, magnificent this American Lion . It comes with a skeleton w a large % of this lion was In the Americas. The skull was purchased in the USA from a dealer friend from Alaska 25 years ago when all Alaskan lions were considered American Lions-most still do of course as this is . Now almost all people still consider it American lion if found in Alaska , but some research papers consider it spelaea species. Spealea is Europe so actually you cant believe all you read . Many items in google are so wrong . They still haven’t provided an American name yet so a top specialist said call it still Alaska lion or American Lion . After talking to Original owner the Alaskan dealer said American Lion , and whether found in Yukon or Alaska it is still American lion . One of my cat expert friends expert says only maybe 10 skulls at most have been found in Canada, Yukon and Alaska, and Florida combined with maybe 3 in private collections(mine and his included so maybe one more somewhere ) as tAlaska is only place for private collections they were found. No more in years have been found . American lions are from Alaska ,Yukon to Mexico to Florida to California. This skull is from 25 years ago so exact location is impossible to know except Alaska-line-Yukon border is known for sure. Its 17” Long the skull as measured around the upper curve from back of incisors to back tip of sagittal crest. The skull is so complete bone is at least 97% original. The American Lion to be is the absolute height of the fossil world as I’d rather have that as its rarer than Smilodon material, and I love saber-tooth cats. The American lion and the Cave Lion are one in the same even though some people call this spelaea because no other name can be agreed on by the scientific world. Until 2009 there was no doubt of classification of Alaskan lion but recently they are trying to distinquish this from Canada just miles away with items which is impossible to know . It crossed the Bering Strait 340,000 years ago -one lion and did mutate at certain areas. Some ridilous papers say one small number of bones found in Canada indicate Beringa Lions from Russia made it to Canada and went to American Lion . American Lion was largest species ever Beringa Lions of Russia were the smallest ever even smaller than lions today. Spelea we know made it to Alaska but I believe Alaska is America -isn’t it as many call it this which is also ridiculous as these are in North America and American Lions in Alaska are American Lions also as known by anyone who works with these There is no difference than ones in La Brea in charateristics . In fact they were the same size in most cases and most even bigger in Spelea However rarely are they ever found over 30,000 years old . This one appears to be around that from the color No museum, no private collector known has a better complete skull as this is almost perfect . If you have one send pics.The teeth were repaired and some from other same size American Lion but all teeth are present and real . I don’t want to even find fault with this skull as it was done by the nation’s best prepper, my dear friend who is the smartest man in the world who knows everything on skulls of cats. Even a perfectionist can’t find fault with this and who even has partials of this. You would have to be an unhappy person to even try to find something wrong here. I only see beauty and you will too I’m sure. To be it’s the best ever found. The originality is spectacular as you will never find more lion bone on any skull anywhere. Only crack fills and even parts were American Lion. This skull makes so happy as I can’t describe the emotional feeling of ownership of this cat. It doesn’t get any better, not even the first best original lion I have the upper that is fantastic also. IM so lucky. What preservation this cat shows. It was highly original from one cat but more American lion skull parts plus some modern lion used so no resin . You can’t even tell of crack fills which makes this so amazing . I venture to say this is the best American lion skull anywhere . It gets better –the skeleton was done by the same person and is virtually complete American lion from a couple animals the same size. It took years to get this assembled and 6 years to get this skull. Darker color indicates age or location found so this is amazing as this is darker than normal .Minimal restore and repair is all that has happened here. It will be in my collection for a long time even though I have many people would pay a fortune for this. Money is not important on an animal like this to be viewed over and over. You can’t even put a price on this as it’s priceless, but everything is for sale sometime maybe if a huge amount is offered in later years Ill relent. But that is years away. I tried to put words on this but this is undescribeable so look at pics. Simply Awesome. The pics are amazing. Part Of Skeleton Not for sale separately. If sold this must be picked up . No shipping. See pics afterward. Whole skeleton $$489,333 ​

Very Old (Possibly 100,000 Yr Old-Plus Old Specimen) Large 17” Extinct Barbary Lion

More American Lion Skeleton Pics

​Listed info on other parts on this page of Lions One of a kind American Lion for sale Price: $489,333   The skull I was told alone is worth a fortune as its the only full one for sale and at 98% original I have been told by all dealers the best ever 

FLORIDA 100% Original Beautiful AMERICAN LION UPPER SKULL (WOW)-No Where Else on Earth than Here

FLORIDA HIGHLY ORIGINAL BEAUTIFUL AMERICAN LION UPPER SKULL-ONLY 1 IN USA Species : Panthera ATROX Lion Species Description : The American lion evolved from the earlier Panthera leo fossilis, which I have from Europe, and this skull is believed to be the best specimen ever found an American Lion. It was believed to be 250,000 years ago when it first cameto Alaska over Bering Strait with earlier lions as old as 500,000 years old even though only bits and pieces up to 350,000 years have been found. Also DNA shows this to be identical to Cave Lion so they are identical species in my opinion. This is the largest Lion that ever lived much larger than African Lions with skulls up to 16-18 inches over 15% larger. It is roamed in Alaska, California at La rea and Florida with traces in S Carolina, Mississippi. It is the largest carnivore ever except Short-face Bear which I also have a skull. Geographic Period : Late Pleistocene Epoch 60,000- 15,000 Geographic time: 60,000-30,000 years ago Item Location : Found in a Crevasse 35 years ago on public lands in Columbia County, Florida Item rating and description : 1-10- 10 Words really don’t match how great, wonderful, awe inspiring, magnificent this Florida American Lion Upper is . Its 16” Long. The upper skull is so complete with all teeth but one canine that was placed from another one in that area. It was found 35 years ago. The originality is just amazing at 100% . Only 1 Florida whole lion skull exists from Florida(no skeletons) and this is the next most complete and only 1 from Florida in private hands .I have done nothing and no one else has touched it either so this upper is 100 % natural with addition of 1 canine only . IT is so majestic of a skull. This was owned by a finder for 15 years then sold to another collector for 20 years, so I’m the third owner of this magnificent king of beasts. As you know I have an Alaskan American Lion Skull with skeleton also and only 6-7 skulls exist and no skeletons exist in the world so I have unbelievable lions that can’t be found anywhere. The American Lion to be is the absolute height of the fossil world as I’d rather have that than any fossil- its rarer than Smilodon material by far. The American lion and the Cave Lion are actually one in the same just where found the dividing line for ones in Alaska. This is a true American Lion skull due to location as only 1 in Florida except 1 in a museum. The classification for Alaskan lions as soon as it crossed into Alaska 300,000 years ago from the Bering Strait should be for everyone an American Lion .Since geographical DNA was same for both some don’t classify it as American Lion even though all other lions are by location. I do personally have as much knowledge of these cats of anyone as I’ve had all extinct lions at one time through the years.This one appears to be at least 15,000 years old like the other one found close to same area. If someone does have one please notify me please one send pics. The teeth were all original with only left canine missing original since placed in from another lion in same area, and no repairs of any kind. The other canine was split but whole. I don’t want to even find fault with this great skull as few exist ever in USA. Again this is only 1 known in Florida in private hands . About 80 have been found at LaBrea Tar Pits and that’s it – except for one in Florida in a museum only and I have the other . So I have the only 1 in a private collection in the world . Some partial material shows up across Southeast as far a Mississippi River in east . The originality is spectacular as it is so close to complete I can’t describe the emotional feeling of ownership of this cat as I’m a true Lion lover. It doesn’t get any better. I’M so lucky. What preservation this cat shows. The dark color is typical of older lions in any area. You will not see one like this anywhere . This is the only one from Florida that exists in private hands and only 1 of 2 that exists from Florida. Money is not important on an animal like this to be viewed over and over. It’s so hard to put a price on a priceless item. Simply Awesome. The pics are amazing. I’M a collector and lions are my favorite fossil. This is one of my all time greatest finds helped by a dear friend. I would only sell if I received $47,445 No Mailing -only a pickup Too valuable  Kern hold 

FAMOUS DRAGON Cave AUSTRIAN Monster Extinct 21.5”  MALE CAVE BEAR w 100% Original Teeth Best of Best

FAMOUS MONSTER Extinct 21.5” Highly Original MALE CAVE BEAR Skull From Drachenhohle In Austria Species: Ursus spelaeus Species description: Large Bear from Pleistocene that was previously only known in Europe but this which was larger than size of a grizzly and lived 2.5 Million years ago -25,000 years ago in Europe with large jaws and large bodies similar except bigger than modern bears It lived in Europe at height of last Ice Age and hibernated in European Caves to survive the winters . One cave Dragonhole in Austria contains remains of more than 30,000 bears and many died in their sleep. It was hunted by Neanderthal people and was a vegetarian despite the size of teeth. They were found at many locations also in Russia , but now very few –only Romania . This specimen is from that famous place Geological strata: Pleistocene1.5 Million Years OLD Item Location: Famous Drachenhohle(The Dragons Cave) near Mixnitz, Austria Item rating and description : The most famous Monster Cave Bear ever offered from Drachenhohle near Minitz Austria. This is a Monster Cave bear -Largest Ive ever seen by over an inch with COA . This Cave Bear was found in 1902 in the Drachenhohle(The Dragons Cave ) Near Mixnitz, Austria by first owner Herr Heinrich Fischer. It was excavated legally and belonged to several private Austrian collections until it found its way in Nov 2019 to The MIFO Mineral and Fossil Exhibition in Austria at Korneuburg bought by aperson who bought it from . I have the COA with all info signed by him . SO this skull until a few years ago never left Austria in 120 years . It was also carbon dated and is $35,000 years old . NO bear ever was this large and I’ve had many. Its mammoth. Top Premium European Austrian Male Bear with Super Bone Quality. All Teeth with x-Nice Canines are original and an amazing 2.5” without root . Cave Bears are no longer found as this species is from a old old, collection and no more for years have been discovered. It is almost22” Long and an amazing 12 inches wide. They used to be found in caves all over Europe, and Russia, Austria but now all caves are closed to public. These have gotten very rare as only the old collections have them . Not many of these people will sell them so now demand is high, and supply very low. This means prices will be going up and up so this is an investment . This one has hardly any restoration just a little above teeth in front of bear and the best I’ve seen ever . It was done so well .I can’t see any restoration at all. The prices have doubled in the last 2 years, and this one is even better and the largest one I ever had . They go so fast I expect this will be gone in a very short time . The great ones16-18 inches go for 10,000 now, so this one is worth 20,000 easy being out of Drachenhohle( Austrian German Name , and this is better than any I’ve seen on size and quality . The color, no wear on teeth, and natural completeness is really amazing on this skull. I will not come down on this. These are such a great investment as the values will keep on rising and soon they will be like so rare only old collections will be sold. This species is the rarest of the entire lot of cave bears so you will only ever see a few of these ever and they are earlier bears but even larger than European ones. If you want the best it has to be paid for because I did pay a lot . I found out only 1 dealer has a few left on these so better get it quick or it will be much more .No Cave Bear anywhere in any collection is better and greater than the original location many bears were found . It’s a must for top collector and you will never see a bear Bigger . It doesn’t get better than this for bear lovers like me Ill gladly keep it if not sold but it will be quickly..No one has this big and from Dragon Hole. This is one of a kind most famous bear of all r found 120 years ago . NO one I mean no one can get cave bears anymore so this is one of a kind from top collectors for years . Even if you have a Bear you don’t have this one but you can . Price : Call (no discount) Only done by wire so call 706-235-2694 

Cave Bear $8000

 Shipping: $249 with insurance 

FANTASTIC TREX LEG AND FOOT BONES - TIBIA, FIBULA, and RARE MIDDLE METATARSAL

Being Sold

Species: Tyrannosaurus rex Species description: One of largest carnivore during dinosaurs age with 12” corner teeth with roots and up to 49 ft long and 15 ft high that lived in western USA – largest in the United States that ever lived and killed and scavenged prey. Period: Late Cretaceous Period 70-66.5MYA Geographic strata found: Hell Creek Formation Geologic location: Baker, Montana and Metatarsal -Powder River , Montana Description and rating : Find of the Century – TREX TIBIA(3” )long, FIBULA, and RARE MIDDLE NARROW METATARSAL.THESE ultra rare bones are top of line bone quality , huge size and no restoration at all. IT has crack fills but these bones have been part of my collection for at least 7 years. I would say all 3 are perfect. The tibia and fibula are from the same REX , while the metatarsal is hardly ever found as this is the thin one down the middle and is so narrow it never survives except this one . It takes 2 persons to lift this one so it was difficult to work with as most bones this size has multiple natural breaks. All 3 you can’t say n enough about them . I will not sell these as they are the cornerstone of my collection, and can never replace them even though IM working on a TREX Tibia now I will sell and it’s a great one so ask about it. The bone quality on these is simply amazing. LOOK AT THESE . They are so awesome they literally bring tears to my eyes .

Unbelieveable Death Scene - Juvenile Stegosaurus 21” Dorsal Plate w Juvenile Allosaurus Full Scapula

Species: Stegosaurus stenops & Allosaurus fragilis Species description: Stegosaurus is an armored dinosaur and means “narrow faced roof lizard “ about 23 ft long noted for large dorsal plates used for temp regulation and mating , and tail spikes in back for defense . IT was a herbivore , and little known it is the longest living dinosaur over Jurassic and Cretaceous . It was found in late Cretaceous Indian soil. It is a weird looking dinosaur compared to others .It is considered the longest living dinosaur ever due to India having this creature up to 65 MYA so it is at least 100 Million Years Old since it first appeared. Allosaurus was the largest Jurassic Therrapod Meat Eating dinosaur ever reaching up to 35 ft long –as long as a bus . Its large skull with moveable joints in the skull allowed it to bite huge bites to devour its prey which included the largest saropds over 65 ft long .It did hunt in groups It had an S shaped bulldog neckand each powerfularm having 3 clawed fingers with one large claw. It weighed 2 tons. Geological strata: Morrison Formation ( Upper Kimmeridgian Stages) Geological period: Late Jurassic 172-140MYA Item location: Emery County, UTAH Description and Rating : 15 Original One-Of A Kind Death Struggle with Stegosaurus 21’x13”Dorsal Plate & Juvenile Allosaurus Complete Scapula 13” (Shoulder Blade) So many imaginery ways these two could have died come to mind as both died together in a struggle of epic proportions . I wish I could have witnessed this myself . Oh wellborn to late I guess . Only dino nuts would say this . Bone Quality is top of the line. This may be the only one like this anywhere but know few like this exist in the world , and only one of its type I ever saw for sale It is dark gray-black,red which is typical from this area . The Dorsal Plate was glued back together but very little restoration except crack fills on either . The Allosaurus shoulder blade has some on top of bone, and dorsal plate is almost without restore . The plate shows the connection area ,and a design so typical of a very rare plate. It is complete and from a juvenile . I do not sell stegosaurus material because it is not found for private collections hardly ever and is much more valuable than REX, Allosaurus , or any other dinosaur so I’m gladly keep this if not appreciated . I have looked for stegosaurus items for years and have actually keeping this for now . It I have a tail spike, and a rare dorsal plate from its grandfather miosi , and consider this the most valuable of all . I don’t sell those pieces . The quality is so good with virtually no or minimal restore as crack fills but how many pieces tell a story . It is as unbelievable find.It also was in the hardest matrix I ever had to clean off , so it’s a labor of love . I appreciate this fossil so much it is at top of anyones’ collection. Just admire this!!!

Amazing Spectacular Highly Original Largest Hoplophoneus Saber-Cat Species Ever

Species: Hoplophoneus occidentalis Species description: The long –legged Nimravid saber-tooth cat (one of larger one)with razor –sharp sabers and the second earliest saber-tooth cat that roamed North America beginning in the Oligocene Period 35 MYA -23 MYA . These animals had a lot of physical characteristics similar and exact to Smilodon including famous saber-guards and similar sabers while smaller . They stood at over 2 ft tall the size of a large bobcat, and were more of a group predator with a close knit families as evidenced by some hoplos found together in death while overall very rare species hunting an abundant food supply of grazing ungulates including camels and oreodonts. Using their highly developed saber-teeth they would likely sever the blood supply in the neck of their prey in the initial attack. Geological strata: Scenic Member of the Brule Formation Geological Epoch: Early Orellan 34 MYA Item location : Scenic , Shannon County, SD Item rating and description: 14 Just a Gorgeous Rarest of Rare Large High Originality Plus ORIGINAL Hoplophoneus occidentalis Saber-Cat Skull 8 7/8” Long with 3 3/8 inch sabers . This cat was described by my top prepper as the best one I ever had, as he has done over 10 this year alone for me . These just aren’t for sale but here is one . One of the rarest cat sanywhere in the world , a giant hoplo .This one is a true collector’s DREAM item , and IM a collector so it was mine and now available for sale . The sabers are so huge I have never seen any hoplo over 3 inches before , however this is a true prize . The first hoplo was oreodontis 35 million years ago, and were small at that time only 5-7 inches long at most in the early years , as they did get bigger with time up to 9” long . At 34 million years came a new huge holpo called occidentalis which appeared and evolved from primaevus ,and only lasted for 4 million years on the plains of South Dakota. Some primaevus got this large in latter years, but not at 34 million years I contend as occidentalis species were very rare at this timeframe and smaller . Most people know this occidentalis species at least 10” long ,but I believe these were the later ones at the 32-30 million years old timeframe . This one was very early one and I believe as does 2 of my contemporaries as one of first occidentalis species for sure , however I must say one of my best friends and top authorities believes it to be a hoplo giant primaevus species , whose opinion I respect immensely . However ,below are the reasons . I believe this is a true occidentalis early species . First my friend believes all occis must be 10” long but since I know for a fact this animal is at least 34 million years old (due to how low it was found in the strata which was the first of the occidentalis species due to the timeframe. I believe they were smaller at this time , and the ones he has are later of the species and not as low in the strata . A pogonodon that was found higher by 75 ft higher was small one when it first came 32.5 million years ago and got much bigger , and we found this occi specimen much lower so we know it was at least 34 Million years ago . First of a species always have characteristics of both when the lines evolve from each other which is the case here. Hoplo primaevuses were smaller at this time frame than this specimen from observances by the finder –as many primaevus only 5-7 inches were found by him here , and he knew this was special . This skull is 8.75 “ long, and the largest ever found in this area by far . So all others found at this strata were very small, but this skull is far larger in a very early timeframe for hoplos. . 4 million years made occis only 1-2inches longer as the biggest hoplo that ever existed , and since this is a female they were smaller than males . Many characteristics make me believe this is an occidentalis . In fact, all characteristics to me even size fit occidentalis for this timeframe . First the postglenoid foramen are actually smaller per skull size in occidentalis than primaevus as per Donald Prothero’s Book The Terrestrial Eocene –Oligocene Transition in North America , and this fits this specimen . Next the paraoccipital process at the back of head is reduced in size for occidentalis per skull size ,and it appears for this specimen in comparison of primaevus . How you tell these animals also is look at the saber guard. This specimen has the guards much wider and longer than a normal hoplo due to saber size . Also at the top of saber its almost an inch -15/16” wide , and wide throughout , and reg hoplos are never more than 5/8 inches wide as they are quite –narrow . Many times reg hoplos are under a half inch wide on sabers . Also the Upper Premolar 2 is absent in this species , and reg hoplos its not absent as all I have seen has an upper P 2 including all the ones I have now . This occi does not have P 2 on either side of the upper and the alveolus does not look covered over by bone , as my expert friend suggests may have happened in this case . I have never had one that P2 is absent even though in reg hoplos it can happens as extremely knowledgeable friend suggests .Basically the belief by some is if it’s not 10” long, it’s not an occi. However an update after further review other characteristics that I and my friend believe it to be an occi .The huge curvature of the canine and rounded margins make it an occi I’m using all the other parameters which show occi for me also . The strata of the find suggests differently to me, as it is definitely one of the very early holpos, and it is huge .Since it is one of first for sure of all hoplos(lower strata doesnt contain holpos only dinictises) , I believe it would be smaller than the normal later 10” (1” off) occi specimens. Anyway it could be a tweener in the 2 species , but I believe strongly this is at minimum at least the start to the occi species and now am 99% certain its an occi, even though only a few exist anywhere . Hill City has a definite occidentalis specimen only 5/8 larger than this specimen also . The finder and a top dealer agree with me, but regardless of my claim this is the best hoplo specimen you will ever see anywhere . It is one to be proud of forever . Color, detail, and completeness is above reproach. The white color with lines is usual for these animals , which is how they looked close to death . The upper skull is more than 90% original with super teeth with only a small area of back of skull and lower back jaws restored.. The teeth are almost 100% with just a few incisors restored. This may be one of earliest occidentalis skulls ever found , or at minimum one with mostly occi characteristics except length . I don’t think length should be the overriding characteristic in any assessment. Only a dozen occidentalis skulls have ever been found anyway over all 4 million years so this is so valuable which always stumps even the most knowledgeable because it is hard to put in put in either category .It is a female that is very rare .It resembles Smilodon , and is ultra desired . This is the smallest occi possibly ever found but still a huge hoplo , no matter how you look at it . No one can take the beauty of this specimen away no matter what it is, which makes it extremely special for me. This is unheard of and a great rare specimen