A Partially Articulated Black Bear (Ursus americanus) from Late Quaternary Deposits in the Tonto National Forest, Central Arizona

Abstract

A partial skeleton of a black bear, Ursus americanus, was recovered from Quaternary deposits in Red Creek, Tonto National Forest, Arizona. The partially articulated skeleton was found in a fine, consolidated sandy-silt. The incomplete skeleton represents elements from the right side and is one of the more complete black bear skeletons from late Quaternary deposits in Arizona. The black bear is believed to be an adult male based on epiphyseal fusion and molar measurements. No cause of death could be determined from the elements recovered, and due to its preservation is believed to have been found in its original context, or had not been transported very far. The Red Creek bear indicates a continued presence of black bears from the late Quaternary to the present in central Arizona.