The cave bear, Ursus spelaeus, was a large prehistoric bear that lived across Europe and parts of Asia during the Pleistocene and died out about 24,000 years ago, around the Last Glacial Maximum. It takes its name from the caves where its remains turn up in great numbers, which reflects the view that it spent more time in caves than the brown bear and used them to hibernate through the winter. Males averaged 350 to 600 kilograms and females 225 to 250 kilograms, and the animal reached about two metres in length, with a broad domed skull and a steep forehead. Teeth and bone chemistry have long been read as showing a mostly plant-eating diet, though newer evidence points to some omnivory. The name is also applied loosely to a complex of up to six regional forms that some authors treat as separate species.
Facts
Classification
System (Realm) Relationship to People Living or Extinct Conservation Status Connections
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Source Cave bear (Wikipedia)
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Source Cave bear (Wikipedia)Range and habitat, where it livesQuote, Range and habitat, where it lives
The cave bear's range stretched across Europe
Sources
1. Cave bear (Wikipedia)
Lead
became extinct about 24,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Maximum.
Lead, diet
Unlike brown bears, cave bears are thought to have been almost entirely or exclusively herbivorous.
Behaviour, Dietary habits
increasing evidence points to omnivorous diets
Range and habitat
The cave bear inhabited low mountainous areas, especially in regions rich in limestone caves.
Relationship with humans
Probable evidence of Neanderthals' opportunistic hunting and/or competition against cave bears and brown bears have also been reported.
Range and habitat, where it lives
The cave bear's range stretched across Europe
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