Homonym: Panthera leo spelaea (Lion)
Panthera leo spelaea, commonly known as the European cave lion, was a subspecies of lion that lived during the Pleistocene epoch. This large carnivore roamed across Europe, Asia, and parts of North America, thriving in various habitats, including open grasslands and rocky areas. It is believed to have been larger than modern lions, with robust limbs and a powerful build.
The European cave lion is often associated with prehistoric humans, as its remains have been found in caves alongside ancient artifacts. It is thought to have been a top predator of its time, preying on large herbivores such as Mammuthus (mammoths) and Cervus elaphus (red deer). The species went extinct around 14,000 years ago, likely due to climate change and human hunting pressures.