[citation needed] The range of this bear has been found to encompass both Europe and Asia, demonstrating the ability of the species to adapt to many Pleistocene environments.

[citation needed] U. deningeri is the ancestor of the later cave bear (Ursus spelaeus) Ursus deningeri has a combination of primitive and derived characters that distinguishes it from all other Pleistocene bears.

Its mandible is slender like that of living brown bears and Ursus etruscus.

[3] Sites and specimen ages: A distinct morphotype classifiable under U. deningeri sensu lato has been found in Kents Cavern, England, dating back to latest MIS 12 or earliest MIS 11.

[8] A controversial specimen from the Cheonyeo Cave (Middle Pleistocene) of South Korea, formerly referred to as U. spelaeus and subsequently to U. deningeri, may instead represent a brown bear.