Cave bear claw. Russia.

Cave bear claw. Russia.
11000 years ago.
Pleistocene.
Measurements: 20 x 12 x 8 cm.

The cave bear (Ursus spelaeus) was one of the largest bear species that existed, inhabiting Europe and Asia during the Pleistocene. It became extinct about 11,000 years ago, possibly due to climate change and competition with humans for cave shelters. Their claws were large and curved, adapted for digging and defense. They can reach several centimeters in length. Upon fossilization, the original keratin of the claw disappears and is replaced by minerals, leaving only the phalangeal bone if no claw parts are preserved.
Although the cave bear was mostly herbivorous, its claws were useful for digging roots, climbing and, if necessary, defending itself against predators or other bears in territorial fights. Cave bear remains have been found in many caves in Russia, especially in the Urals and Siberia. Some fossil claws show markings that suggest interactions with prehistoric humans, who may have hunted them or used their remains as tools and amulets.