Editing Westeros (section)

===Animals===
{{Main|Bestiary}}
Some species of animals inhabiting Westeros are similar to Pleistocene megafauna of Earth or historical animals. 

* [[Aurochs]] are large relatives of the bull. They are frequently used as a symbol of size, strength, and stupidity. An aurochs was used as a mount by the mythical [[Clarence Crabb]] as a display of his prowess.
* [[Direwolf|Direwolves]] are relatives of the wolf, but more like their extinct real-world equivalent they are much larger and stronger than regular wolves, reaching the size of a pony when fully grown. They are almost never seen south of the Wall. 
* [[Lizard-lion]]s are massive, swamp-dwelling reptiles found in the Neck. These creatures are most likely large crocodilians.
* [[Mammoth]]s inhabit the far north and are apparently the only pachyderm in Westeros. They are used as mounts by giants.

Other animals appear to be altered versions of contemporary animals or have no real-world equivalent.
* [[Kraken]]s are huge squids said to be able to pull down whaling ships. They are largely considered a myth.
* [[Raven]]s are physically similar to common ravens of Earth, ravens in Westeros are used to [[w:homing pigeons|carry messages]] between castles. The maester of each castle usually tends to its stock of ravens. [[Maesters]] raise a breed of large, [[white raven]]s at the [[Citadel]] that are said to be more intelligent. Ravens sometimes imitate human speech like parrots.
* [[Shadowcat]]s are large predatory cats with black fur and white stripes who seem to be native to mountainous regions. Their pelts are prized.
* [[Dragon]]s are ferocious, magical creatures. The dragons of [[House Targaryen]] died out over one hundred years ago, and the creatures are thought to be extinct by the people of Westeros.
* [[Unicorns]] are large goatlike animals with a long single horn on their heads.