1.4" Extinct Cave Bear Ursus Spelaeus Pre-Molar Tooth Rooted Pleistocene Age COA

Location: Romania

Weight: 0.4 Ounces 

Dimensions: 1.4 Inches Long, 1 Inch Wide, 0.7 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.  

Cave Bears were an extinct species that lived approximately 24,000 years ago during the Late Pleistocene. Their name comes from the fact that most of their fossils have been discovered in caves, and their scientific name, Ursus spelaeus, is derived from the Latin word for cave. Unlike modern bears, cave bears are believed to have spent a significant amount of time inside caves, not just for hibernation but possibly as a primary habitat.

These massive bears were among the largest terrestrial carnivores of their time, with some individuals reaching up to 10 feet in length and weighing over 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds). Cave bears were primarily herbivorous, feeding on tough vegetation, though some evidence suggests occasional omnivorous behavior. Fossilized remains of cave bears, including bones and footprints, provide valuable insight into their behavior, ecology, and interactions with early humans.

The extinction of cave bears is believed to be linked to climate change and human activity, as humans began inhabiting the same cave systems and competing for resources. Today, cave bear fossils continue to captivate scientists and enthusiasts alike, offering a window into the Ice Age ecosystems of Europe and Asia.

Ursus Spelaeus has long fascinated both the scientific community and popular imagination. Early cave explorers encountering massive cranial remains in subterranean environments frequently attributed them to mythological creatures, resulting in regional nomenclature such as "dragon caves" in fossil-rich localities. Contemporary paleontological analysis reveals a striking dichotomy between morphological appearance and dietary specialization. Despite pronounced dental structures and substantial body mass, dental microwear analysis and wear patterns indicate herbivorous feeding strategies, with vegetation comprising the primary nutritional source. Opportunistic omnivory likely occurred when available resources permitted. This authenticated pre-molar specimen provides direct evidence of the dental morphology underlying this specialized herbivorous adaptation, making it an invaluable addition to paleontological collections and research contexts.