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LARGE CAVE BEAR (URSUS SPELAEUS) CANINE Undisclosed Cave in Carpathian Mountains, Romania PLEISTOCENE PERIOD: 200,000 - 20,000 years ago Usually broken, eroded or just plain junky looking, this very large cave bear canine is RARE as it is PERFECT - an example that represents the most valuable and finest specimen you could ever find! Most of these fossil teeth that reach the market are cracked, unstable and just plain junk. Of all the superb quality canines we have ever offered, this one will rank as one of the best as it simply cannot be improved on. This specimen is EVEN BETTER THAN THE IMAGES. What's more, the delicate hollow root is undamaged, complete and perfect. The entire surface of this example along with the choice enamel is wonderfully dense and smooth. This is a very large fang and the prize fossil of these massive, extinct beasts. In a world where nearly every one of these is repaired and restored, we can proudly claim we do not offer specimens of that nature. This investment grade example is no exception. NO FABRICATION OR REPAIR. Entire specimen has been treated with a clear hardener for preservation.
The features of the Russian non-cave-dwelling species are evident when compared to the true European Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus). The Russian bear species (uralensis) is also not as massive as the true European cave bear, Ursus spelaeus. Basic anatomical features of the skull are easy to differentiate the two. Ursus spelaeus will have larger zygomatic arches (cheek bones), a much steeper forehead and a higher, more pronounced sagittal crest (the crest on the dorsal posterior portion of the skull). Compare the skull images on this page and elsewhere in this section to Russian skulls being sold elsewhere and you will see the difference. Russian bear fossils of Ursus uralensis are MUCH MORE prevalent and found in greater numbers today than high quality TRUE cave bear fossils (Ursus spelaeus), and therefore are less rare and reflect a lower price than the European specimens. Ursus spelaeus was a huge omnivorous bear that resided in caves year-round compared to modern bears which only use caves as a shelter for hibernation. When standing on its hind legs, the height of this beast would have averaged 10 feet tall! Skulls have been found 20 inches in length! The closest relative is our modern day brown bear but the cave bear averages 30% greater in size. One way to differentiate a cave bear skull from a brown bear (and all other bears for that matter) is the sheer size, first off, and also the prominence of the brow and forehead unique to the cave bear. Modern bear skulls have a more gradual sloping forehead. Found throughout caves in Europe, the cave bear was named after the places where its remains are commonly found: caves, in the Alps, the Ardennes, the Carpathian and Ural Mountains, and in many other European mountain chains. Remains found in caves near the North Sea and in The Netherlands show that the range of Ursus spelaeus eventually spread into the lowland forests of western Europe. In this last region, populations drastically declined around 40,000 years ago finally becoming extinct during the last glacial period. It is believed that the cave bears' demise was aided by competition for food and shelter by a simultaneous existence with the brown bear. Evidence found in caves suggests that prehistoric man either worshipped the cave bear or used its remains in religious rituals. If THE best fossil canine is your objective, you will not want to pass this one by. WITHOUT QUESTION, ONE OF THE FINEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL SPECIMENS YOU WILL EVER SEE! 5" in length SOLD LM40-004 INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX Actual Item - One Only |
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