There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
A book I am rereading is 'The Bear - History of a Fallen King' by the French historian Michel Pastoureau. He did an indepth study on the bears of Europe ( brown bears ) of ancient times. Bear worship was widespread throughout much of Europe. The bear was the champion of the animal fights in the ancient Roman arena. The bear was the original "king of beasts." The Church, including Charlemagne, the first Christian emperor, declared war against the bear; determined to completely eradicate bears from Europe. This war lasted for centuries and it is surprising that any European brown bears survived at all.
I have learned from Tigerluver and GrizzlyClaws that the Pleistocene brown bears of Europe were quite large, nearing the size of the giant cave bears. I have to believe that, before the massive slaughter of bears during their "dark ages" that the bears of Europe must have been bigger, stronger, and more fierce than those which somehow managed to survive. Any information?
