Authorities have completed work to secure a newly discovered cave containing the remains of prehistoric cave bears in the Val Badia Dolomites of northern Italy.
The cave was discovered in July 2026 by mountain guide Kurt Walde at Col Toronn, revealing remains attributed to prehistoric cave bears (Ursus spelaeus or Ursus ladinicus).
Following notification of the discovery, South Tyrol’s Office of Archaeology introduced emergency measures to protect the site from unauthorised access.
The discovery attracted widespread public and media attention, prompting concerns that the remote cave could become a target for looters despite its exposed location at an altitude of almost 3,000 metres.
According to Christian Terzer, Director of the Office of Archaeology, preserving the integrity of the site became the primary objective once details of the discovery entered the public domain.
Temporary protection was installed within days of the find, while authorities developed a permanent solution to secure the cave and monitor access.
These measures have now been completed with the installation of a purpose-built metal grille and monitoring system at the cave entrance.
Before installation could begin, workers fitted a dustproof protective sheet to prevent debris and other contaminants from entering the cave. A specially manufactured grille was then transported to the site and anchored into the rock.
“The logistical challenges of managing this project on a vertical rock face at almost 3,000 metres above sea level were enormous,” said Terzer.
The work was carried out in consultation with the State Domains Agency and the Office for Nature, as the cave is situated within a protected Natura 2000 area.
With the site now secured, attention will turn towards an interdisciplinary scientific investigation of the cave and its prehistoric remains.
Researchers hope that the study will provide new evidence about cave bear populations that once inhabited the Dolomites and offer a clearer picture of their ecology and behaviour.
“By securing the site, we are not only protecting an extraordinary find, but also the knowledge it contains,” said Provincial Councillor Philipp Achammer. “Now the scientific work begins. It should give us a more accurate picture of how the cave bears lived in the Dolomites.”
Header Image Credit: LPA/Office of Archaeology