With its numerous asphalt seeps, Rancho La Brea was a hazardous place for animals to roam. This was especially true during the warmer seasons. As the semi-solid asphalt turned softer and stickier, leaves, dust, and water would cover the surface and partially obscure it from view.

Wandering animals would often pass by and unknowingly venture into the camouflaged asphalt. If the conditions were right, the animals might become trapped like a fly caught on flypaper. The stranded animal would be easy prey for the many carnivores that lived here.

Not likely to pass on a free meal, a pack of dire wolves or a sabertoothed cat would attack the mired animal and even each other. After an intense struggle over the helpless prey, some of the attacking predators would become trapped as well. In turn, scavengers would eat those animals and also risk entrapment.