Unraveling Megafauna Extinctions: Hunting Mammoths and Climate Change Connection
Originally Published 2 years ago — by SAPIENS
Forensic methods, specifically blood residue analysis, have provided evidence that Paleoindians hunted or scavenged megafauna such as mammoths and mastodons in eastern North America around 13,000 years ago. By analyzing ancient stone tools, researchers found unambiguous proof of contact with the blood of extinct animals, including mammoths, mastodons, and the North American horse. While this study does not definitively prove that humans were responsible for the extinctions, it suggests that early Paleoindians across the continent interacted with these animals, providing insights into their presence and potential hunting practices. Further research with larger sample sizes could shed more light on the timing and geographic variability of megafauna extinctions.