How Neanderthals lived and why they went extinct while modern humans survived is a topic of great scientific and public interest. New research analyzing the bones of a 48,000-year-old cave lion from Siegsdorf in southern Germany discovered a clear puncture mark on one of the ribs, three marks potentially left from wooden projectile weapons, and multiple cut marks across other bones. Additional cave lion remains from Einhornhöhle in northern Germany exhibited cut-marked toe bones (phalanges), showing that Neanderthals were utilizing cave lions for access to their hides, or skin. Altogether, this suggests Neanderthals were hunting and butchering cave lions, an apex predator, which would have been a high-risk target. Furthermore, the ability of Neanderthals to successfully hunt high-risk prey suggests the potential for communication, planning, and cooperation in hunting.
 

These findings were presented in the journal Nature on October 12th, 2023, by Gabriele Russo and colleagues.