Fossil - Metatarsal bone of a cave bear (Ursus spelaeus)

Fossil - Metatarsal bone of a cave bear (Ursus spelaeus), single specimen

Pleistocene, ca. 50,000 years ago, Carpathian Mountains, Romania. Size ca. 62mm x 23mm x 16mm. Weight ca. 20g.

The cave bear ( Ursus spelaeus ) was a large bear that lived in caves during the Pleistocene epoch. Male cave bears are estimated to have weighed 400–500 kg and females 225–250 kg. Like most modern bears, it was omnivorous. The cave bear disappeared during the Pleistocene mass extinction at the end of the Ice Age about 10,000 years ago, probably due to climate change and human hunting. The metatarsal bone fossil has been treated with a protective layer of shellac and beeswax.

Symbol meaning

The cave bear symbolizes life force, protective instinct, fertility and justice. On the other hand, it is also considered to represent stubbornness, aggression, fear and slowness. Numerous beliefs have been associated with the cave bear. The species has been thought to represent humans themselves, as the animal was able to stand on two legs and use its front paws like hands. According to some studies, the cave bear may have been a significant part of the Neanderthal world of beliefs. However, this claim has not been confirmed. The remains of a human have been found in the Bacho Kiro cave in Bulgaria, still wearing an amulet made of a cave bear tooth around his neck. The discovery has been dated to around 45,000 years ago.

Note! Fossils and ancient bones are natural products that are tens or hundreds of thousands, even millions of years old, so each one is unique. Therefore, colors, shapes and brightness may vary. The condition varies from fair to good and they have wear, fractures and small chips typical of fossils.