People have been hunting predators for tens of thousands of years. A study published last week in Scientific Reports shows the first evidence of predator hunting by early human ancestors—who appeared to have targeted prehistoric cave lions.
According to researchers from the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, this recent discovery may represent the earliest evidence of hunting lions in Europe.
The 48,000-year-old skeletal remains of a large feline exhibited puncture wounds on its ribcage, suggesting it was likely slaughtered by ancient people with a wooden spear.
Gabriele Russo, the paper’s lead author, told the New York Times. The male lion was older at the time of its death. “An old lone lion may have posed a threat to the Neanderthals or competed for their prey. Perhaps the Neanderthals saw an opportunity for an easier kill or viewed the lion as a means to prove themselves and decided to hunt it.”
Upon closer examination, the skeletal remains show signs of hunting-related injuries, including cut marks found on several bones, including two ribs, various vertebrae, and the left femur.
Initially, it was suggested that ancient humans had butchered the cave lion after it had already died.
However, the recent study involved a comprehensive examination of the remains and uncovered something unusual.
Their study discovered a partial puncture hole on the inside of the lion’s third rib, which appears to match a wooden-tipped spear imprint.
“The puncture is angled, suggesting the spear entered the left side of the lion’s abdomen and penetrated vital organs before impacting the third rib on the right side. The characteristics of the puncture wound resemble those found on deer vertebrae which are known to have been made by Neanderthal spears,” described the release.
As a result of their findings, they concluded that this specimen represents the oldest evidence of Neanderthals intentionally hunting and killing cave lions.
Russo and the paper’s other authors also examined the remains of a lion in another German site called Unicorn Cave. Those bones are dated to 190,000 years ago. Scientists argue that cut marks from stone tools on the cat’s extremities show that the Neanderthals not only butchered the lion but carefully preserved its pelt with the claws attached.
“It only makes sense [that they kept the claws attached] if the pelt had some symbolic significance for them,” archeologist Thomas Terberger told Science. “It’s more than just getting some meat—it’s a clear signal Neanderthals valued trophies of these animals.”
Together, both findings illustrate a remarkable ability—and desire—of early human ancestors to hunt apex predators and celebrate their kills by preserving and honoring the trophy.