Isotope studies of elements present fossil bones and tusks in microscopic quantities give information about timing of reproductive stress, and timing of nursing. Clues to stages of development come from tooth replacement patterns and closure of sutures in skull and limb bones.
Juvenile specimens are known from La Brea Asphalt deposits.
Paleontologists report records of female short-faced bears using use caves for denning (Schubert and Kaufmann 2003)
No known predators on this giant carnivore.
Life span unknown.
Possible competition with Pleistocene black and brown bears leading to extinction. (Matheus 1995)
Matheus (1995)
Schubert and Kaufmann (2003)
