New Israeli Discovery Sheds Light on Prehistoric Humans’ Hunting and Scavenging Strategies

A groundbreaking study at the prehistoric site of Nesher Ramla in central Israel has revealed that early humans were far more selective in their hunting practices than previously believed. Researchers found that rather than hunting indiscriminately, prehistoric inhabitants focused on specific animals and sometimes scavenged or ambushed prey, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of their environment.

“Our research findings provide a fascinating glimpse into the behavior and relationship of early humans with their environment,” said Prof. Reuven Yeshurun of the University of Haifa, one of the study’s authors.

Nesher Ramla, excavated in 2010–2011, contains archaeological layers up to eight meters thick, dating back to the Middle Paleolithic period. The lower layers showed evidence of structured hunting camps where early humans processed large animals such as wild cattle. Researchers uncovered bones with cut marks, flint tools for butchering, and fire remains.

However, the upper layers painted a different picture. They contained a broader range of animal remains, many of which showed minimal signs of human intervention. This led researchers to question whether these animals were hunted at all.

A recent study published in Quaternary Science Reviews analyzed the bones, teeth, and species diversity at the site. The findings revealed that Nesher Ramla likely functioned as a seasonal water reservoir, drawing animals from the Samaria mountains, the Judean foothills, and the coastal plain. Many of these animals were found intact or bore bite marks from predators such as hyenas and lions, suggesting they died naturally or were hunted by other animals rather than by humans.

“This is not a site of early human habitation, but rather a concentration of animals that died under various circumstances,” explained doctoral student Meir Orbach, who co-authored the study. “Some were hunted by early humans, some by predators, and some may have drowned or fallen due to natural causes. Human hunters and predators took advantage of the animals’ presence, possibly hunting from ambush or scavenging carcasses.”

The study challenges the idea that prehistoric humans hunted whatever was available. Instead, they appear to have engaged in selective hunting, particularly targeting wild cattle, while also exploiting opportunities for scavenging.

“The prehistoric site of Nesher Ramla opens a window into understanding early human behavior and the ancient landscape of the coastal plain,” the researchers concluded. “Humans adapted their hunting strategies to different conditions sometimes hunting opportunistically and other times selectively, as seen in other sites from the same period.”

This discovery adds to Israel’s rich archaeological history, shedding light on how early humans survived and thrived in the region. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for updates to spread the fascinating story of our ancestors.