The fossil record of Arctodus pristinus (Ursidae: Tremarctinae) in Florida

Abstract

Cranial and postcranial elements of at least eight individuals of Arctodus pristinus (Ursidae: Tremarctinae) are reported from Leisey Shell Pit, an early Irvingtonian vertebrate locality within a marine shell bed. Dental measurements indicate that two distinct sizes, presumably representing males and females, are recognizable in the collection. This bear tentatively is referred from 13 localities in Florida, ranging in age from late Blancan to late Irvingtonian, and is a biochronological indicator for this period. Another tremarctine bear, Tremarctos floridanus, so far is known only from Rancholabrean localities in Florida and may have ecologically replaced A. pristinus.