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FOSSILS AND ARTIFACTS FROM
PALEO ENTERPRISES

FLORIDA MIOCENE
BEARDOGS2 page 6

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AMPHICYONIDS

The Miocene Amphicyonids of Florida, called beardogs, are neither true bears nor dogs; they show characteristics of hyenas, wolves and bears, but generally are somewhat closest to bears. The Amphicyon longiramus was a very large beast and was the dominant and most powerful carnivore during its heyday which in north Florida was the late early Miocene. It had a large head but a relatively small brain, heavy, powerful limbs not suited to running long distances. The Amphicyonid next in size was the Daphoenodon notionastes, similar in bulk to a small wolf with long limbs well adapted to running. Smaller in size yet was the coyote-like Cynelos caroniavorus. One can speculate that the beardogs thrived on the abundant and various three toed horses which were so prevalent during the Miocene and indeed, many of the horse fossils from that era bear evidence of carnivore tooth marks, attesting to their unfortunate end.

Image from BBC Worldwide Limited

Daphoenodon notionastes

Image from BBC Worldwide Limited

CYNELOS CARONIAVORUS

Hulbert p. 201

BACULUM small part missing, rest good. Rare. $100 order mi182 REDUCED! $50

BOROPHAGINAE

Borophaginae are sometimes called "hyenoid dogs" due to their relatively large, robust teeth which are suitable for cracking bones. Hence the later, larger types are called bone crushing dogs. Desmocyon matthewi is a very rare beast whose fossil remains are known only from two locales, these being western Nebraska and north Florida. This is a new species just recently described by Wang (Wang, Tedford and Taylor, p. 101). Phlaocyon leucosteus has less robust teeth, was probably more omnivorous, and was thought by some to be a link between primitive canids and the living raccoon.

DESMOCYON MATTHEWI

Wang, p. 75