Vrtare Male, Pit cave near Dramalj, Croatia.
Vrtare Male is a karst cave system near Dramalj that descends about 39 meters into the earth, with freshwater submerging the lower portion. The site displays typical geological features of limestone cave formations and holds many fossilized remains from the Pleistocene epoch.
The cave was first explored and documented in 1966 by mountaineers from the Velebit society. It gained major importance through the discovery of ice age animal remains during expeditions conducted over subsequent decades.
The cave draws researchers and caving enthusiasts who value its role as a repository of prehistoric animal remains from the ice age. The connection between geology and paleontology makes it a meaningful destination for those interested in ancient life.
Access requires specialized equipment and expert guidance because of the cave's depth and water-filled lower chamber. Visitors should contact local caving organizations or join organized expeditions to ensure safe exploration.
The cave holds more than 180 fossilized remains from the last ice age, including bones from cave lions, woolly mammoths, and rhinoceroses. This collection provides rare insights into the animal life of the region tens of thousands of years ago.
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