Zoology: Bones (Fossil / Prehistoric)

The short-faced bear (Arctodus simus) (Cope-1897), which is more closely related to the Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) than to Ursus, has been found in several locations from Mexico to Alaska. The specimens from Alaska (where this one was found), known as Arctodus simus yukonensis, are typically more robust than those from more southern latitudes. These bears were extremely large and may have weighed in excess of 1300 lbs. Notably, their limbs were very long and would have dwarfed both the modern Kodiak bear as well as the Pleistocene European cave bear. This specimen, when alive, was approximately five feet at the hip and stood about 12 feet tall. It died approx. 28,000 years ago. The species became extinct 10-12,000 years ago. The upper canines are removable. We are grateful to the Babiarz Institute of Paleontological Studies for the opportunity to cast this individual.

The cranium and half of the mandible were found in excellent condition, but some sculptural reconstruction was done.. The cranium was missing the canines. The mandible was missing all of its teeth. The missing half of the jaw was sculpted to mirror the existing half, and the missing teeth were sculpted to complete the skull.
19" L x 12 ½" W x 12" H 48.2L x 31.5W x 29.6H (cm)

2-part skull (separate cranium & jaw).

Custom display stand available on demand.