AnAge entry for Ursus arctos

Classification (HAGRID: 02252)

Taxonomy: Kingdom: Animalia
    Phylum: Chordata
        Class: Mammalia (Taxon entry)
            Order: Carnivora
                Family: Ursidae
                    Genus: Ursus
Species: Ursus arctos
Common name: Brown bear

Maximum longevity: 40 years (captivity)
Source: ref. 671
Sample size: Large
Data quality: Acceptable
Observations: The implantation of the fertilized eggs is usually delayed for about 4 months. It has been suggested that these animals may live up to 50 years [0434], which is doubtful. These are common animals in zoos, and so far record longevity in captivity is about 40 years for one wild born female [0671]. An aged specimen had neurofibrillary tangles [0955].

[1143] Nussey et al. (2013), Senescence in natural populations of animals: widespread evidence and its implications for bio-gerontology (PubMed)
[0671] Richard Weigl (2005), Longevity of Mammals in Captivity; from the Living Collections of the World
[0610] Ernest (2003), Life history characteristics of placental non-volant mammals
[0434] Ronald Nowak (1999), Walker's Mammals of the World
[0997] Hissa et al. (1994), Seasonal patterns in the physiology of the European brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos) in Finland (PubMed)
[0455] Virginia Hayssen et al. (1993), Asdell's Patterns of Mammalian Reproduction: A Compendium of Species-Specific Data
[0955] Cork et al. (1988), Neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques in aged bears (PubMed)
[0680] Wootton (1987), The effects of body mass, phylogeny, habitat, and trophic level on mammalian age at first reproduction