Cave Bear Skull

Originating from the rugged landscapes of Ukraine and dating back to the Pleistocene epoch, this ancient cave bear skull offers a captivating glimpse into a bygone era. The cave bear name derives from an abundance of fossils preserved in caves, where the bears were thought to hibernate. Ursus spelaeus inhabited caves year-round and was around 30% larger than the average bear today, with a higher forehead and fewer premolars. This impressive creature was closely related to the modern brown bear. Cave bears were significant to Neanderthals, who hunted the bears and used their remains in ritualistic practices. Cave bears were prolific before the last glacial apex 25,000 years ago, and may have survived as long as 12,000 years ago.