Deathclaw mother (Fallout: New Vegas)

Deathclaw mothers are creatures found in the Mojave Wasteland.

Characteristics
Matriarchs of the deathclaw broods, mother Deathclaws are bigger, stronger, and more easily angered than your run-of-the-mill Deathclaw, seconded only by the Legendary deathclaw and tied with the deathclaw alpha. They usually travel dark areas near their pups or eggs, and are more than eager to tear apart pretty much anything that the Wasteland throws at their babies.

The best way to kill a mother deathclaw is with a anti-materiel rifle with .50 caliber armor piercing rounds with a sneak attack. Sneak attacks are essential unless you want to go toe to toe with a mother of a deathclaw. The easiest way to kill one if you are spotted is to get to an elevated position where it cannot reach you and constantly shoot it.

Another good tactic is to sneak attack it then run, force it to a choke point loaded with c4, and detonate. The pups can easily be cleared out with a 10mm smg.

Another alternative is to use the 12. gauge Bean Bag shell if you find yourself being charged head on by the mother Deathclaw. 2-3 direct hits should knock her out and then you can dispose of her any way you wish (that is until she gets back up). Word of caution to mid-level players. Mother Deathclaw can take you out in one hit. (Tested and confirmed with character at Level 17, HP 410/410, DT 37.0, Equipped Armor - T-51b Power armor & T-51b Power Helmet, Character build Included Perks - Life Giver, Toughness (x2))

Location
Mother deathclaws can be found in Quarry Junction and the Dead Wind Cavern along with the legendary deathclaw two can be found at the Deathclaw promontory

Bugs

 * When in V.A.T.S., targeting the Deathclaw Mothers' head actually highlights only the neck.(This may not be a bug but the "weak spot" of the Mother.)

Appearances

 * Deathclaw mothers appear in Fallout: New Vegas. They also appear in Fallout, Fallout 2, Fallout Tactics, and Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel