Between 2011 and 2015, archaeologists at the Schoningen lignite mine, in Germany, unearthed the partial remains of three saber tooth cats. These skeletal remains were found in the same layer as the six wooden spears excavated years earlier, dating back 300,000 years ago. Scientists speculate that early man (homo heidelbergenis) not only used these spears for hunting horse and deer, but to defend themselves from saber tooth cat on the shore of the ancient lake. Analysis of the latest cat excavated showed it was a formidable predator with 10 cm/4 inch canines, at 200 kg/445 lb, standing a meter /(3.28 feet) at the shoulders. Further papers will be published on the finds in the future. Pictured are leg bone, teeth, and skull cap from some of the finds, and one of the spears recovered.
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