He encountered them unexpectedly. Considering the mouths that needed to be fed, he attacked almost entirely on impulse, and wounded one of the animals before the remainder of the pack drove him off with a minor injury. He had been gored, but not deeply. It stung, but would heal quickly enough.

To pursue the pack was dangerous, but the chance to take the wounded animal made the risk seem worthwhile. The meat would feed the family for a couple of days. The pack would be traveling slower than it normally did, and he felt that he could catch up with them before nightfall. He delayed only long enough for the puncture to be brought under control.

The occasional trace of blood in the undergrowth made the trail so very easy to follow. He moved as swiftly as he could while not sacrificing stealth. He caught up with them at dusk: they’d settled for the night. He surveyed the situation. In addition to the wounded one, there were four other Homo sapiens. Smilodon fatalis planned his attack with care.