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Science

Ancient traps to catch mammoths found in Mexico

Mexican anthropologists say they have found two human-built pits dug 15,000 years ago to trap mammoths.

Remains from at least 14 mammoths found during excavation for garbage dump

Two human-built pits dug 15,000 years ago to trap mammoths were found during an excavation for a garbage dump in Tultepec, Mexico. (Meliton Tapia/Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History via Associated Press)

Mexican anthropologists say they have found two human-built pits dug 15,000 years ago to trap mammoths.

Researchers from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History said Wednesday the pits were found during excavations on land that was to be used as a garbage dump.

The pits filled with bones from at least 14 mammoths were found in the neighbourhood of Tultepec, just north of Mexico City. Some of the animals were apparently butchered.

The pits were about 1.70 metresdeep and 25 metresin diameter. The institute said hunters may have chased mammoths into the traps. Remains of two other species that disappeared in the Americas a horse and a camel were also found.

It was unclear if plans for the dump would proceed.

These are some of the remains of at least 14 mammoth specimens found in the traps. (Jose Mendez/EPA-EFE)