10,000 years of Ursus arctos in the Alps – A success story? Analyses of the Late Glacial and Early Holocene brown bear remains from Alpine caves in Austria

Abstract Sixteen sites yielding radiocarbon dated brown bears from Alpine regions of Austria are described. Samples have been dated by the AMS-method. For each find, a description of the site, dating and the context of the find are given. The time frame of the finds ranges from Preboreal to the Middle Ages. The climatic context and palaeobiological aspects are discussed. There is no correlation between altitude of the site and chronological age of the bear remains. Comparative data suggest the majority of bears in Alpine cave sites are females. Remains of Holocene brown bears were found in denning caves and in natural pits. Hence, they are bears that did not survive the winter or bears that fell into a natural shaft.