History of Science & Technology, Including the World of Richard Feynman, and Natural History
History of Science & Technology, Including the World of Richard Feynman, and Natural History
A Large Cave Bear Skeleton
Late Pleistocene (approx. 30,000 years ago), Romania
Lot Closed
December 13, 07:54 PM GMT
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
A Large Cave Bear Skeleton
Ursus spelaeus
Late Pleistocene (approx. 30,000 years ago)
Romania
Approximately 9 feet, 8 inches tall (2.95 m) on custom base; skull measures 20 x 12 x 10 ¾ inches (50.8 x 30.48 x 27.30 cm).
An exceptional specimen due to its size and the dimensions of its skull, mounted on a custom support stand. Loss to left scapula and small losses to spine.
The Ursus spelaeus, or cave bear, is an ancient species of bear that inhabited Europe and went extinct about 24,000 years ago, during the most recent ice age. It takes its name from the Latin spelaeus, meaning cave, as unlike other species of bear who seemed to dwell in caves only during hibernation, the cave bear appears to have spent the majority of its life in caves, as evidenced by the fact that nearly all fossils have been found in caves. The cave bear was the largest of the cave dwelling animals, weighing on average between 800-1300 pounds, although some could grow as large as 2,200 pounds, and reach heights of over 11 feet tall.