G5301

Ferns

Fortune's Holly Fern

Cave Bear

Collins Cover Announcement

Ferns

Cave Bear

The cave bear, Ursus Spelaeus, was a species that lived in Europe until about 27,500 years ago when it became extinct. The scientific name "spelaeus" came about because most fossils and actual bones of this animal were found primarily in caves. These remains were numerous and in 1983 the skeletons of 140 of these bears were discovered in a single cave in Romania.

The skull of this large bear was domed in appearance with a steep forehead. Males often grew to over a thousand pounds which made them a fearsome predator. At least three archeological digs in different countries have produced evidence that early humans kept cave bear skulls as hunting trophies and may have used them in some type of ritual or worship.

My individually hand painted cachet shows a male cave bear standing on ferns near the entrance to his lair. Realistic watercolors bring the scene to life, and one can only imagine what early humans thought when encountering this massive bear. Collins No. G5301 at $15.00.