Polar bears ‘once roamed Scotland’ as ancient bones and fossils reveal fishy diet

Ancient bones and fossils have unveiled new insights into the historical presence of polar bears in Scotland, challenging previous beliefs about the region’s bear populations. Studies conducted by researchers at the University of Aberdeen and the University of Edinburgh have indicated that polar bears once roamed the Scottish Highlands during the last Ice Age. The discovery, based on the analysis of bones and teeth found in a cave in the Highlands, suggests that these ancient bears had a diet primarily consisting of fish, in stark contrast to the meat and plant-based diet associated with brown bears.

The University of Aberdeen collaborated with National Museums Scotland to re-examine fossils collected at Inchnadamph Bone Caves in Sutherland, shedding light on the unique dietary habits of these prehistoric bears. By employing stable isotope analysis, the researchers were able to determine that the bears from around 30,000 to 50,000 years ago predominantly consumed fish and seafood. This finding challenges current perceptions of brown bear diets, prompting a reevaluation of our understanding of bear ecology both in the past and present.

Professor Kate Britton from the University of Aberdeen highlighted the significance of this discovery, noting that the seafood-heavy diet of these ancient bears raises questions about the classification of these bears as brown bears. The researchers are now investigating whether these bears represent a distinct subspecies or even early polar bears that inhabited Scotland during a period when polar bears may have ventured further south during the Ice Age. Collaborative efforts with experts in Sweden are underway to conduct DNA analysis on the bone samples and determine the species of these ancient bears.

The implications of this study extend beyond evolutionary history, offering insights into how environmental conditions may have influenced the distribution and dietary preferences of polar bears in the past. The research challenges conventional narratives about bear populations in Scotland and opens up new avenues for understanding the interactions between different bear species in ancient ecosystems.

In conclusion, the fascinating revelation of polar bears once roaming Scotland introduces a fresh perspective on the region’s natural history and underscores the dynamic nature of wildlife evolution in response to changing environments over millennia. The ongoing research efforts to unravel the mysteries surrounding these ancient bears promise to enhance our understanding of Scotland’s rich biodiversity and its interconnectedness with global ecological processes.