The cave bear (Ursus spelaeus) that lived in France between 22,000 and 40,000 years ago was a massive Ice Age species that primarily inhabited caves in the mountainous and limestone-rich regions of Europe. During this period, which overlaps with the Late Pleistocene, France's caves provided shelter for these bears during hibernation. Fossils of cave bears from this era have been found in sites like Chauvet and other caves in southern France. These bears were largely herbivorous but may have occasionally scavenged for food. They eventually went extinct around 22,000 years ago, likely due to climate changes and competition with humans for shelter in caves.