The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 693: Did Clovis Hunters Kill All the Mammoths?
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Apr 21, 2025 Todd Surovell, a director at the George C. Frizen Institute, and Spencer Pelton, Wyoming's state archaeologist, dive into the mysteries of ancient hunters. They discuss what Clovis weaponry can reveal about megafauna extinctions and explore the overkill hypothesis regarding mammoths. Surovell and Pelton also highlight archaeological finds, including mammoth kill sites, and examine how climate change and human predation intertwine. Their insights shed light on the complex relationships between early humans and the creatures they hunted, unraveling the past's intriguing tales.
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Testing Clovis Weapons on Elephants
- George C. Frizen tested Clovis weapons on live and dying elephants in Zimbabwe.
- He confirmed the effectiveness of Clovis weaponry for killing large elephants.
Clovis Points' Unique Timeframe
- Clovis points date within a very narrow window of 300 to 500 years across the continent.
- This pan-continental phenomenon suggests a unique and rapid cultural spread or innovation.
Evidence for Clovis Mammoth Hunting
- Despite doubts, archaeological evidence shows Clovis people hunted mammoths extensively.
- Mammoth kill sites are numerous given time and space tested, supporting humans' predation role.