"Skull of Ursus Spelaeus, Ros." dalla Caverna delle Fate

ambito pleistocenico

Unità di misura: cm; Altezza: 16,5; Larghezza: 25; Lunghezza: 39

ossa

This skull was found in the Caverna delle Fate (SV) together with other bone remains documenting the presence of cave bears in numerous prehistoric caves in Liguria. Larger than today's grizzlies and predominantly herbivorous, it was widespread in Europe in the Upper Pleistocene. On its hind legs it could reach up to 3.5 metres in height and had long teeth and sharp claws. These animals took refuge in caves during the winter and some individuals could die or be hunted by Neanderthals: hunting cave bears could procure a large amount of meat, but also fur, tendons and fat. In Toirano (SV), in the Caverna della Bàsura, cave bears lived between 50,000 and 24,000 years ago and an excavation inside the cave uncovered a level where traces of fossilised fur were found. A large specimen reassembled from the bones of different individuals from the Caverna del Pastore (Toirano, SV) can also be admired in the museum. skull of "Ursus Spaeleus" (order: carnivores; family: ursidae), somewhat chipped and covered with clay incrustations. It preserves 'in situ' all the teeth except the incisors. Found in the Caverna delle Fate (Finalborgo).