1.1" Extinct Cave Bear Ursus Spelaeus Pre-Molar Tooth Rooted Pleistocene Age COA
Location: Romania
Weight: 0.3 Ounces
Dimensions: 1.1 Inches Long, 0.7 Inches Wide, 0.4 Inches Thick
Comes with a free Acrylic Base (Stand) & Mineral Tack.
Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Ursus spelaeus, the Cave bear, was a massive bear species that lived across Europe during the Pleistocene and became extinct around 24,000 years ago. The species is best known for the abundance of its fossils found deep within caves, a pattern that suggests caves were a major component of its habitat rather than simply seasonal refuges.
The enormous size of cave bear skeletons, particularly their large skulls and heavy teeth, made a powerful impression on early cave explorers. Long before the science of paleontology, these remains were often misidentified as the bones of dragons or other legendary creatures. As a result, many European caves became associated with dragon legends, and some were even named for these mythical interpretations.
Modern research has revealed that, contrary to what their fearsome appearance might suggest, cave bears were primarily vegetation feeders. Their teeth and jaw structure were well-suited for processing tough plant material, indicating a diet focused on roots, grasses, and other fibrous plants. This herbivorous tendency sets them apart from many modern bears and adds to their scientific importance. Ursus spelaeus continues to be a focal point of Ice Age research, offering valuable clues about Pleistocene climates, ecosystems, and the complex factors that led to the disappearance of Europe’s great megafauna.
