First direct evidence of lion hunting

Puncture wounds found on a 48,000-year-old cave lion skeleton found at Siegsdorf, Germany, may indicate the earliest known example of humans hunting and killing a large predator


Siegsdorf, Germany: Skeleton found
800km 500 miles


Wound on inside of third rib on right side suggests fatal stab was delivered with wooden spear

1cm


Paleolithic sites containing evidence of human interaction with cave lions – either butchered remains or cave art

Siegsdorf cave lion remains

Replica of spear

Spear entered left side of abdomen, penetrating vital organs before puncturing rib on right side

Findings provide new insights into interactions between Neanderthals and cave lions


Source: Nature 
Pictures: Nature, Julio Lacerda, Volker Minkus ©NLD, Pethrus 
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