The European Cave Bear or Ursus spelaeus existed during two different ice ages and is one of the best known mammals of the Ice Age. It had a heavily built body with a large head, domed skull, steep forehead, and small eyes. The build of its body was similar to that of a grizzly bear. As fearsome-looking as it was (up to 10 feet long and 1,000 pounds), the Cave Bear subsisted mostly on plants, seeds and tubers, as paleontologists can infer from the wear patterns on its fossilized teeth. As devastating an impact as Homo sapiens ultimately had on Ursus spelaeus, early humans possessed enormous respect for the Cave Bear. At the start of the 20th century, paleontologists excavated a Swiss cave containing a wall stacked with Cave Bear skulls, and caves in Italy and southern France have also yielded tantalizing hints of early Cave Bear worship. In recent years, cave bear remains have become harder and harder to find as the primary source of the fossils (mining operations in Romania) have begun to shut down. This specimen was found during our recent trip to the Tucson Gem and Mineral show. Due to the short supply of cave bear remains, it’s unknown if and when we will be able to procure more.

This is a unique, one of a kind, fossil. Once this item is sold, we will not be about to acquire an exact replacement. All Paxton Gate specimens are guaranteed to be of the highest quality; sourced from ethical vendors and private collectors around the world.

All orders ship same or next business day with exception to oversized items. Those items will be identified in the description (Items such as large taxidermy, skulls or exceedingly heavy minerals).

If the subtotal of your order is over $98 the shipping is free (the discount is applied automatically to the cart at checkout)

If there is an issue with your order or something arrives damaged, we will refund or replace the item.

Oversized items are only available for pick-up or if you arrange the shipping yourself. This will be indicated in the item description. However, we do have a very reliable and affordable option for shipping. For more information, please click here. We can also work with a shipping provider of your choosing. 

For more information surrounding shipping or shipping rates, please email us at Orders@PaxtonGate.com