Don Balke (North Carolina, B. 1933) "Saber-tooth Cat Perched on Rock" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor on Illustration Board.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 32c Saber-Tooth Cat issued June 8, 1996.

A formidable predator, the saber-tooth cat existed during the Oligocene Period, some 40 million years ago. It roamed the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and South America. Possessing a muscular neck, powerful front legs, a sloping back and a lynx-like tail, the saber-tooth cat was similar to many cats of the era. Yet this creature was distinguished by sharp, eight-inch-long, canine teeth resembling curved sabers. It was also equipped with huge jaws capable of opening to a 90 degree angle, making it easier to attack large prey. The saber-tooth cat feasted on thick-skinned animals such as the woolly mammoth, mastodon and ground sloth. Often compared to modern lions and tigers because of its predatory habits and its size, this creature is also referred to as the "saber-tooth tiger" and "saber-tooth lion." Scientifically, these names are not accurate, as the saber-tooth cat is a true cat, a member of the felid family Felidae, while lions and tigers are members of sub-families of felids. Around 8,000 years ago, the saber-tooth cat became extinct. An early theory about this phenomenon stated that the big cat's prominent teeth grew so large its bite eventually became ineffective for hunting and eating. However, scientists now believe that as the prey of the saber-tooth cat began to die out, the loss of its primary food source in turn led to the creature's own demise.

Image Size: 14 x 18 in.
Overall Size: 18 x 20 in.
Unframed.
(B15131)

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