The Ursus spelaeus, or cave bear, is an ancient species of bear that inhabited Europe and went extinct about 24,000 years ago, during the most recent ice age. It takes its name from the Latin spelaeus, meaning ca🤪ve, as unlike other species of bear who seemed to dwell in caves only during hibernation, the cave bear appears to have spent the majority of its life in caves, as evidenced by the fact that nearly all fossils have been found in caves. The cave 🍌bear was the largest of the cave dwelling animals, weighing on average between 800-1300 pounds, although some could grow as large as 2,200 pounds, and reach heights of over 11 feet tall.