Experts in Leeds preserving ancient bear that roamed the UK thousands of years ago
Experts in Leeds are preserving the skull of a giant prehistoric bear that once roamed the UK thousands of years ago.
It's among a huge Ice Age collection at Leeds Discovery Centre, which also includes a wolf's tooth, a cave hyena's jaw and a giant shark's tooth.
Curators say studying the remains helps show how human behaviour and a changing climate can drive species to extinction.
Clare Brown, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of natural sciences, said:
“It’s extraordinary to imagine that these remarkable animals once lived in the UK and walked in the very same places where we live and work today.
“Their remains give us a unique insight into an age ruled by what must have been fascinating, beautiful and fearsome beasts which existed alongside, and were ultimately hunted into extinction by, some of the earliest humans."
“Studying the remains in our collection can help us understand hundreds of thousands of years of evolution, discovering more about these animals’ origins and the impact which human behaviour and rapidly changing climates can have on different species
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said:
“Our incredible collection gives visitors the chance to step back through thousands of years of history and discover a completely different world from the one we know today.
“Thanks to the diligence and dedication of our site teams, we’re fortunately able to ensure these precious relics are preserved so they can capture the imaginations of our visitors and inspire future generations.”