Neanderthals hunted elephants and butchered them on the spot - study

This is about one of the most compelling pieces of evidence for such a hunt.

Details

The study is based on a discovery in Germany, where an ancient elephant skeleton and a Neanderthal wooden spear were discovered back in 1948.

New analyses have shown that the bones bear numerous incision marks. This confirms that the animal was not just found, but was cut on the spot after hunting.

Scientists have established that Neanderthals opened the chest and extracted internal organs, getting a large amount of food.

According to researchers' estimates, one such elephant could give about 3.5 tonnes of meat, fat and organs - this would have been enough for a large group of people for a long time.

In addition, they found traces of the processing of other animals - ancestors of wild bulls, bears and beavers - at the site. This suggests that Neanderthals used different resources: meat, bone marrow and even fur.

The researchers concluded that Neanderthals didn't just happen to be in the area, but returned there regularly and employed different hunting strategies.

Why it matters

The discovery changes ideas about Neanderthals as primitive hunters.

Scientists note

• they were able to work in groups and co-ordinate their actions
• successfully hunted large and dangerous animals
• used their prey effectively
• had skills comparable to those of early modern humans

This indicates a higher level of organisation and thinking than previously thought.

Background

For a long time, scientists have debated whether Neanderthals hunted large animals or mainly ate carrion.

New evidence adds weight to the argument that they were active and skilful hunters.

Source

The study is based on a re-analysis of about 125,000-year-old elephant remains found in Germany, including cut marks on the bones. The material is published in Scientific Reports (2026).