Order Carnivora descended from Creodonts during the early Paleocene epoch. They inhabit the entire world. Carnivores have small incisors, strong canines and molars. They are also equipped with powerful claws, keen eyesight, smell and intelligence, and are densely furred. Carnivores are meat eaters, although some supplement their diet with insects and vegetables. They are pack hunters.

There are eight families in this order: Felidae -- cats; Canidae -- dogs, foxes and wolves; Ursidae -- bears; Procyonidae -- raccoons and coaties; Mustelidae -- weasels and skunks; Veverridae -- viverrids; Hyaenidae -- hyenids; and Bassariscidae -- Ringtails.