Oxyaenidae

fossil mammal family

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July 23, 2026

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The Oxyaenidae were an extinct family of carnivorous mammals belonging to the order Creodonta. These animals lived in North America, Europe, and Asia from the early Paleocene Epoch (around 65.5 million years ago) until the end of the Eocene Epoch (about 33.9 million years ago).1

Oxyaenids are characterized by their relatively short faces and powerful limbs, with some genera, like Oxyaena, described as having long bodies and short legs. They were diverse and ecologically varied, with some species resembling modern badgers, wolverines, or bears. They coexisted with members of the Order Carnivora for much of their existence.12

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Creodonta
…main families are distinguished: the Oxyaenidae and the Hyaenodontidae. The oxyaenids had relatively short faces and powerful limbs, perhaps resembling badgers, wolverines, and bears. They first appeared in the early Paleocene Epoch (about 65.5 million years ago) and became extinct at the end of the Eocene (about 33.9 million years…
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…main families are distinguished: the Oxyaenidae and the Hyaenodontidae. The oxyaenids had relatively short faces and powerful limbs, perhaps resembling badgers, wolverines, and bears. They first appeared in the early Paleocene Epoch (about 65.5 million years ago) and became extinct at the end of the Eocene (about 33.9 million years…
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