Just as important as the ability to identify different types of animal bones is the ability to interpret how the bones became part of the archaeological site. For example, let's think about why you may find only one or two bones of the same animal together.
If you find many large animal bones in one place it is probably a result of "carnivore activity".
How this works: Many animals survive by eating other animals. Animals that do this are called carnivores. Common carnivores include bears, wolves, cats, and dogs.
The animals that carnivores eat are called prey. As the prey is eaten, its bones are scattered within a small area.
Example: a pack of wolves will eat a deer as their prey. As the wolves take turns with their meal, the bones of the deer may be moved and scattered about an area.
If you find only one or two animal bones in one place it may be a result of "scavenger activity".
How this works: Many carnivores survive by eating the meat that is left on bones after another carnivore finishes its meal. These animals are called scavengers. Common scavengers are raccoons, dogs, and foxes.
Example: A fox finds the deer bones which were scattered by the wolves. The fox may pick up a meaty bone and bring it back to its den. The deer's bones are now scattered over a large area.
Topography: Variation in the elevation of the land where bones are can cause bones to move to new places. Example: A bone that is on the side of a mountain will slowly move down the mountain side to the valley due to gravity.
Climate: Water, wind, and other acts of nature can move bones over small or large distances. Example: A bone that is on the beach in Virginia can be swept to a beach in New Jersey during a hurricane.
Collection: Some types of animals are known for collecting objects and can contribute to the movement of animal bones. Example: A certain type of rat collects small animal bones in its nest.
Coming soon.
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April M. Beisaw