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| Merycoidodon cuibertsoni [White River, Dawes County, Nebraska] |
Related to camels, sheep, and pigs,
Merycoidodontidae were mammals that once roamed
North America 34 million years ago until their extinction 5 million years ago during the
Tertiary Period. Their teeth contained long-lasting grinding surfaces well adapted for effective side to side chewing. They were about 1.2 m (4 ft) in length with a
heavy build similar to modern day pigs. Fossils of
Merycoidodon have most often been found in
large numbers in small areas pointing towards the likelihood of these creatures having lived in herds.
From the newest fossil collection at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary.
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