Ancient hominids used wooden spears to fend off big cats
Discovery of saber-toothed cat bones near spears suggests the weapons were used for more than hunting

BIG BITE The remains from saber-toothed cats, including this tooth shown from three angles, found at a German site suggest that hominids used wooden spears to defend against this predator’s attacks.
J. Serangeli et al/Journal of Human Evolution 2015, Volker Minkus (photo)