Quarries offer a glimpse into Earth’s deep past by revealing fossils of creatures that once roamed the Earth. A discovery in a Russian quarry had revealed a colossal carnivore that lived millions of years ago.
A rich fossil site is
the Kosyakino quarry near Stavropol, Russia. The quarry was discovered in 1938
and gained recognition for its concentration of ancient vertebrates. Fossils
found there include birds, reptiles and amphibians from roughly 5.5 to 6
million years ago. In 1961, the quarry was closed to industrial use to
safeguard its paleontological treasures.
A jawbone was among the
early findings there. It was initially believed to be from a large hyena-like
bear. It remained in storage, labeled with that assumption, for decades. But
eventually, the specimen was revisited, which sparked a reevaluation.
Closer inspection
revealed that the fossil represented a new type of massive bear, later named Huraca
borissiaki. Though incomplete, it displayed a deep, sturdy structure,
widely spaced teeth, and massive carnassial teeth. These pointed to an apex
predator unlike any other bear at the time.
Huracan borissiaki rivaled the size of the
largest bear ever recorded. This means it ranked among the greatest carnivorous
bears to have ever lived.
The history of the Huracan
genus stretches back approximately 6 million years ago. The earliest fossils
were uncovered in China, but they spread widely, reaching North America, East
Asia, and Europe (although they disappeared from Europe soon after their
arrival).
Stavropol is north of
the Caucasus Mountains, a region that bridges Europe and Asia. This location
reinforces the idea of a prehistoric migration route of ancient megafauna.
The Miocene lasted from
about 23 to 5 million years ago. During it, forests receded, grasslands
expanded, and animals adapted to new ways of life.
This reconstructed jaw
implies an animal of immense strength. Its teeth could shear through muscle and
crack bone, which would indicate a diet of large prey. It was a specialist in
survival.
A debate has arisen
about where Huracan borissiaki fits in the bear lineage. Its features
suggest it was a branch that evolved and vanished before modern bears appeared.
In addition, the
quarry’s sediments tell a story. Layers of ash, pollen, and minerals indicate
fluctuating climates and ancient rivers, so that Huracan borissiaki lived
in a landscape that was constantly changing.
Why this titan
disappeared remains unclear. It’s possible that changing climate, new
predators, or dwindling prey led to its extinction.
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