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Natural-trap ursid mortality and the Kurtén Response
1Department of Geography & Program in Environmental Science, University of North Texas, P.O. Box 305279, Denton, TX 76203-5279, USA. sjw0095@unt.edu
Journal of Human Evolution
|March 1, 2006
Summary
Ursid mortality patterns in caves can reveal human influence on bear populations. Analyzing bear remains helps understand cave deposit histories and the impact of human encroachment on cave bear extinction.
Area of Science:
- Paleontology
- Archaeology
- Quaternary Science
Background:
- Ursid mortality data from caves are traditionally interpreted to indicate seasonal occupation by humans and bears.
- Alternative mortality patterns may suggest direct human influence or competition for habitat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of ursid mortality analysis in understanding cave deposit accumulation and human-bear interactions.
- To assess the relevance of ursid mortality data to the Kurtén Response hypothesis regarding human impact on cave bear extinction.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of ursid mortality patterns from cave sites, including Lawson Cave and Jerry Long Cave (Missouri) and Sima de los Huesos (Spain).
- Comparison of mortality profiles of Ursus americanus, Ursus deningeri, and Ursus spelaeus in relation to hominin remains.
Main Results:
- Young-adult North American black bears (Ursus americanus) exhibit a pattern of capture in natural-trap caves.
- Cave bear and hominin remains in Sima de los Huesos may indicate bears died falling into a natural trap.
- Mortality patterns can differ from the typical hibernation-related deaths, suggesting other causes.
Conclusions:
- Ursid mortality analysis is a valuable tool for reconstructing cave deposit histories and human-cave bear relationships.
- Ursid mortality data support the Kurtén Response, linking human habitat encroachment to cave bear extinction.
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