Fossil Bear Dog Limb (Desmocyon)
Age: 23 - 5 Million Yeras Old
Miocene Epoch
Species: Desmocyon
Specimen: Humerus
Discovered: Dixie County, Florida
Measures Roughly 5.5' Long 
 
Desmocyon is an extinct genus of carnivorous mammal, commonly referred to as a bear dog, that lived during the Miocene epoch approximately 23 to 5 million years ago. The genus was first discovered in the United States and Canada, but fossil remains have also been found in Europe and Asia.
 
Desmocyon was a relatively large animal, with a robust build and strong jaws designed for tearing apart flesh. Its skull resembled that of a bear, hence the name "bear dog," and it had short, stocky legs and long, sharp claws for gripping prey. It likely hunted large mammals such as deer, bison, and early horses.
 
Despite its name, Desmocyon was not closely related to either bears or dogs, but was a member of the extinct family Amphicyonidae, which is sometimes referred to as "bear dogs" due to their physical similarities to both bears and dogs. Desmocyon is considered to be one of the more advanced and specialized members of this family, with adaptations that allowed it to thrive in a variety of environments during the Miocene epoch.