Cranial Pathology of Ursus Spelaeus Rosenmüller & Heinroth from Chateau Pignon, Basque Territories

Luigi Capasso

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Publication Date

January 1998

Abstract

A complex lesion, on a skull of a female cave bear (Ursus spelaeus ) associated with perforations of the frontal sinus is described. Paleopathological analysis suggests that the lesion is attributable to complex cranial trauma, probably complicated by an infection which appears to have occurred following a fight, most likely with another bear or, possibly, a cave lion (Panthera leo spelaea ); at least one of the perforations observed on the skull may have been produced by the canine of a large carnivore. This hypothesis is supported by the frequent intraspecific aggressiveness documented in modern bears, and by evidence suggesting interspecific fights between cave bears and cave lions. The case is discussed in the light of other evidence reported in the literature.

Keywords

Paleopathology, Cave Bear, Cranium, Combat, Wound

Document Type

Article

Notes

Vol. 8, no. 2 (1998).

Identifier

SFS0070406_00001

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