Last Updated on April 10, 2023 by Amin Tawar
Cave Bear Height & Length
The cave bear, Ursus spelaeus, was a prehistoric bear that existed in Europe and Asia during the Pleistocene period and went extinct around 24,000 years ago during the Last Glacial Maximum.
They were enormous, and strong, with massive limbs that resembled European bears. They were also almost the same size.
You can expect them to have a standing length ranging from 9 ft to 11ft (2.7 – 3.5 meters) and their height at withers is around 4.7- 5.7 feet.
| Size | Feet | Meters |
| Cave Bear Male | Height: 5’-5’7” Length: 9’10”-11’6” | 1.52-1.7 m3-3.5 m |
| Cave Bear Female | Height: 4’7”-5’2”Length: 8’8”-10’6” | 1.4-1.57 m2.7-3.2 m |
| Cave Bear Length | 9-11 ft | 2.7 – 3.5 m |
Cave Bear Weight
As mentioned previously, these extinct mammals were quite massive in size. Moreover, it has been observed that Cave bears become larger during glacial periods and smaller during interglacials, most likely to adapt to heat loss.
In terms of weight, males weighed an average of 350 to 600 kg (770 to 1,320 lb), with some specimens weighing as much as 1,000 kg (2,200 lb), while the female’s counterparts weighed 225 to 250 kg (495 to 550 lb). Additionally, the cave bears were also sexually dimorphic similar to other bear species. 1
| Weight | Pounds | Kilograms |
| Male | 750-1300 lb | 340-590 kg |
| Female | 500-550 lb | 227-250 kg |
Cave Bear Baby Size
We know that cave bears were giant and similar to Kodiak bears in characteristics. However, there are little to no specific details regarding the size of the cave bear cubs. We can still estimate the size of cave bear babies as they belonged to the same genus of modern-day bears.
Approximately, the cave bear’s baby size at birth was about 1 pound or more. Moreover, similar to other bear species they were also born with closed eyes and little fur.
Cave Bear Size Comparison To Human
Cave bears were enormous bear species. They were similar to modern-day bears like polar and Kodiak bears. To know exactly how massive these giants were, it is critical to make a comparison between us and the cave bears.
As we have already mentioned, the standing length of cave bears ranges from 9 ft to 11 ft (2.7 – 3.5 meters) and height at withers is around 3.9 – 4.4 ft (120 – 134 cm) with a weight of about 350 to 600 kg (770 to 1,320 lb), with some specimens weighing as much as 1,000 kg (2,200 lb).
While the average human being weighs around 110 to 154 lbs (50 – 70 kgs) with a height of 159.5 cm (5 ft 2.8 in) – 171 cm (5 ft 7.3 in).
Comparing these specifics we can conclude that the majority of cave bears were larger than us.
They were muscular and much more powerful than the average human being. However, these bears were herbivores and there is no significant evidence of them attacking humans. Rather, it’s likely that we hunted them.
Considering their massive size, a single cave bear would be sufficient to provide food for several meals.
Although there is proof that people hunted and consumed cave bears at the time, this did not pose a serious danger to the survival of the species.
In case they could have attacked humans when felt violated or threatened, given their huge size, powerful muscles, and claws it is not wrong to conclude that there was little chance of human survival from cave bear attacks.
Cave Bear Vs Polar Bear Size Comparison
The Cave bears were equivalent in size to today’s biggest bears, such as polar bears. The polar bear is the biggest bear species still in existence today.
Male polar bears reach heights of 7 to 11 feet when standing upright and weigh between 660 and 1,320 pounds at full maturity.
Females often weigh between 400 and 700 pounds and are 6 to 8 feet tall and as we have previously seen, the ordinary cave bear is between 9 and 11 feet (2.7 to 3.5 meters) long and weighs between 770 to 1,320 pounds (350 and 600 kilograms), with some individuals reaching 2,200 lb (1,000 kilograms).
As the larger, stronger, and probably superior would only win. We can infer with ease that the average cave bears were far more strong, more powerful, and more massive than polar bears.
| Size | Polar bears | Cave bears |
| Length | 7’10”-9’10” ft | 8’8”-11’6” ft |
| Height | 4-5’3” ft | 4’7”-5’7” ft |
| Weight | 330-1500 lb | 500-1300 lb’ |
Cave Bear Vs Kodiak Bear Size Comparison
Cave bears were almost the same size as today’s biggest bears, Kodiak Brown Bears. The average Kodiak bear has a body mass of 168 to 675 kg (370 to 1,488 lb) and is 8 to 10 feet tall.
However, the Kodiak bear is still smaller when contrasted to the huge cave bears which were roughly 9 to 11 feet (2.7 to 3.5 meters) tall and weighed between 770 to 1,320 pounds (350 and 600 kilograms), with some individuals exceeding 2,200 lb (1,000 kilograms).
Despite being primarily herbivorous, cave bears are generally larger and more powerful due to their massive size.
| Size | Cave bears | Kodiak bears |
| Length | 8’8”-11’6” ft | 8’-10’ ft |
| Height | 4’7”-5’7” ft | 3’4”-5’ ft |
| Weight | 500-1300 lb’ | 400-1400 lb |
Cave Bear Vs Grizzly Bear Size Comparison
There are substantial differences between grizzly bears and ancient cave bears. As we already know Cave bears were enormous in size making them significantly bigger in size and appearance. In specifics, a grizzly bear stands around 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall when standing.
The cave bear, on the other hand, stands 11.5 feet tall (3.5 m). The grizzly bear weighs between 267 and 595 pounds (121-270 kilograms), whereas the normal cave bear weighs between 800-2200 pounds (400-1000 kg).
Based on power also, it can be said that cave bears were more powerful and muscular than grizzly bears owing to their massive size.
| Size | Grizzly bears | Cave bears |
| Length | 5’6”-8’ ft | 8’8”-11’6” ft |
| Height | 3’-5 ft | 4’7”-5’7” ft |
| Weight | 300-800 lb | 500-1300 lb’ |
Cave Bear Vs Saber Tooth Tiger Vs Cave Lion Size Comparison
The cave lions were the largest of the three prehistoric mammals. However, in terms of weight cave bears were heavier among the three.
Cave lions are around 11.5 feet (3.5 m) long and weigh between 318 and 363 kg (700 to 800 lbs.).
The Saber Tooth Tiger, on the other hand, was more than 2.6 m (100 in) long on average and weighed between 220-360 kg.
In contrast, the cave bear measures 11.5 feet tall (3.5 m) and weighs between 800-2200 pounds (400-1000 kg).
Similarly, based on power, we can say that cave lions were the most muscular and powerful of all. Although cave bears were equivalent to them in terms of weight.
| Size | Saber tooth tiger | Cave lion | Cave bears |
| Length | 5’9” | 11’5” | 8’8”-11’6” |
| Height | 3’3” | 5’0” | 4’7”-5’7” |
| Weight | 350 to 620 lb | 700 to 800 lbs | 500-1300 lb’ |
Conclusion
And that was everything you need to know about the size of a Cave bear. I hope this article was helpful enough and you got something valuable from it.
Thank You For Reading!
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