Cave lion

Depiction of cave lions from Chauvet Cave

Cave lions are large extinct carnivorous felids that are classified either as subspecies of the lion (Panthera leo) or as distinct but closely related species, depending on the authority.

The subspecies or species known by this name include:

• Panthera leo spelaea or P. spelaea, the Eurasian or European cave lion
• Panthera leo fossilis or P. spelaea fossilis or P. fossilis, the Early Middle Pleistocene European cave lion
• Panthera leo atrox or P. atrox, the American lion or American cave lion