Thousands of years ago, Neanderthals regularly hunted and killed elephants in Europe, according to an investigation of the stone tool marks on a collection of bones. Given the quantity of meat involved, the discovery shows either that prehistoric humans lived in bigger groups than previously thought or that they had techniques for processing the flesh to prevent spoilage, according to Wil Roebroeks of Leiden University in the Netherlands. These elephants pack a lot of calories. The possibility that Neanderthals, who are distant relatives of modern humans, could have hunted the straight-tusked elephants has long been up for discussion (Palaeoloxodon antiquus). … Continue reading New Evidence of Neanderthal Hunting and Butchery of Elephants in Europe