science π Ancient hunters preferred targeting female mammoths
New research indicates that prehistoric hunters selectively targeted female mammoths, offering insight into Ice Age hunting strategies. Scientists analyzed ancient DNA from 521 woolly mammoths across Eurasia and North America, dating back about 50,000 years. Among 100 mammoths from Polish sites, roughly 70% were female, contrasting with 66% male in natural settings. This suggests humans weren't just finding dead animals but actively hunting specific groups. Researchers speculate this was due to female mammoths being smaller and potentially traveling in social herds. π