What specific prey animals did E. haydeni's height and apex role allow it to target?
Rhinos like Teleoceras and camels like Aepycamelus
The immense stature of *Epicyon haydeni*, standing about 90 cm at the shoulder, was crucial for its functioning as an apex predator capable of challenging and overpowering substantial herbivores inhabiting the Miocene landscape. Its physical presence allowed it to effectively target and subdue large prey items that smaller contemporaries, such as modern wolves, might only harass. The text specifies that this massive canid was capable of targeting large herbivores, explicitly listing ancient rhinos such as *Teleoceras* and early camels like *Aepycamelus*, alongside various ancient horses. This ability to directly confront and subdue large quadrupeds was necessary to support its hypercarnivorous diet.
