Ep 5. Sabre Tooth

In Walking With Beasts season 1 episode 5, titled Sabre Tooth, viewers are taken on a journey through time to learn about the evolution and survival tactics of the famous Sabre Tooth tiger. The episode begins with the introduction of Smilodon, the scientific name of Sabre Tooth, and sets the stage for the drama that is about to unfold.

The show takes us back to North America around 1.5 million years ago, where the climate was much colder and drier than the present day. The dominant predators at the time were the giant bear-dogs and enormous short-faced bears. However, Smilodon stood out among the pack with its powerful jaws, razor-sharp teeth, and muscular body. The episode delves deep into the anatomical features of the Sabre Tooth, showcasing how it evolved and adapted to become a formidable predator.

As the episode progresses, we are shown the different stages of the Sabre Tooth's life, starting with the childhood of a young cub. We get to witness its playful nature and learn about the intense bond that the mother shares with her cub. However, despite the love and protection offered by the mother, the cub is not safe from the dangers of the outside world. We see how the mother shields her young one from other predators and teaches them to hunt.

The focus then shifts to the Sabre Tooth's hunting tactics. The episode showcases the scientific research done on the Sabre Tooth's bite force and how it used it to take down prey. We also learn that it was not just brute force that made Sabre Tooth such an efficient hunter; it was their highly specialized elongated canine teeth that helped them deliver a killing bite. We get to see a Sabre Tooth in action as it stalks and takes down its prey with precision and accuracy.

Further on, the episode explores the social life of Smilodon, specifically the males. We are shown how male Sabre Tooths form coalitions during the mating season, where they roam together, hunting as a team, to attract females. We get to see the ferocity of Sabre Tooth battles as males battle it out for dominance and the right to mate.

As the episode draws to a close, we learn about the extinction of Sabre Tooth and the theories surrounding it. Much like its cousin, the woolly mammoth, the Sabre Tooth also disappeared from the face of the earth around 11 thousand years ago. The show explains how changes in climate, food availability, and competition with other predators might have contributed to its decline.

In conclusion, Walking With Beasts season 1 episode 5, titled Sabre Tooth, is an educational and entertaining exploration of one of the most iconic prehistoric creatures. Through stunning visuals, research, and expert commentary, viewers get to witness the life, behavior, and evolution of Sabre Tooth tiger.