Canis Dirus
Dire Wolf
Dire Wolf
Is a extinct carnivorous mammal. It is roughly the size of a gray wolf. It was most common in North America and South America.
Extinction
The reason for its extinction is that the gray wolf(C. lupus) crossed into North America on the Strait land bridge. Other finding show that the Smilodon also competed for the same food source.
Evolution
It is thought that the dire wolf originated from North America. It is ancestor of modern wolves, jackals, foxes, and the raccoon dog.