Liguria

The fossil collection, consisting of remains from various individuals discovered in caves in western Liguria, provides near complete evidence for the reconstruction of Ursus spelaeus, the cave bear, a species that was widespread throughout Europe and Asia during the Pleistocene.

The remains of this extinct bear are found with relative ease in the caves of western Liguria, from
the Savona area to the Imperia area. However, it is in the Toirano Caves that the highest concentration of remains is found, with truly spectacular accumulations. In particular, at the site known by the evocative name of "Bear Cemetery", two layers of accumulations have been identified. The first layer contains remains belonging to at least 139 individuals, including 57 cubs, 63 juveniles, and 19 adults, dating to a time span between 50.000 and 24.000 years ago. The second layer, however, has not yet been systematically investigated.

Analysis of the artefacts found in the so-called Sala dei Misteri (Hall of Mysteries), a section of the caves located further upstream, has revealed that the high concentration of bears is the result of a prolonged accumulation over time caused by physical phenomena. The remains, in fact, appear to have accumulated in this area after being transported from an external area directly connected to the underground environment.