Scientists from the University of Tübingen discovered that ancient humans began wearing bearskins to protect themselves from the cold at least 300,000 years ago. Research published Journal of Human Evolution.
The authors of the study examined traces in the bones of a cave bear found during archaeological excavations in Lower Saxony (Germany). Scientists found neat cuts on the animal’s paws. There is very little meat in this area, so the incisions are unlikely to be traces of carcass cuts. The scientists suggested that these cuts were left while the animal was being skinned.
Previously, wooden hunting weapons (throwing and stabbing spears) as well as mammalian skeletal remains were found in the same area. Previous finds showed that people hunted here for meat, marrow and animal bones used to make tools.
The authors believe their findings prove that 300,000 years ago, animals were used not only for meat but also for fur. The use of bearskins was probably an important adaptation of ancient humans to the northern climate.