Druid's shapeshift plus claws of the bear

[Doug McCrae]

A druid casts Claws of the Bear (Spell Compendium) which gives him two claw attacks. He then uses the shapeshift alternative class feature (PHB2) to take the predator form, which has a bite attack only.

Would he retain the claws? If so which attack would be primary?

 

[Dagredhel]

I think you'll note that the other spell and power descriptions for effects that provide natural attacks specifically state that you can use the new attack form (and maybe have the option of a weapon and natural attack combo), but can't combine the new attack form with existing natural weapon attacks.

I'd assume that was also the intent with Claws of the Bear, although the language is vague. "Replacing your normal attack routine," is suggestive, but unfortunately not completely unambiguous.

So when combined with Shapeshift, I believe it would allow the character the option of attacking with either the claws or bite, but not both at once.