Which Predator Species May Have Preyed on the Early Humans Over 2 Million Years Ago? — Here’s What Researchers Discovered

Over two million years ago, species under the genus Homo, commonly referred to as hominins or humans, were already present. Humans, with our abilities to make tools and change the world around us to suit our needs, some may mistakenly assume we have been the apex predators of the planet since the dawn of our existence.

However, earlier species like Homo habilis and other hominins were actually still being preyed upon by other animals during this time. They were clever and knew how to use stone tools, but they were also smaller, lighter, and slower than the other carnivorous species that lived in the same environment as they did. So, let’s explore which predators could have hunted humans millions of years ago, and how they are capable of such a feat.

Leopards: Silent and Deadly Hunters

Leopards were among the most dangerous predators that lived alongside humans. Scientists think that they have preyed on earlier species of hominins because of a fossil that shows clear evidence. At Swartkrans Cave in South Africa, a skull called SK 54 from a hominin species had two puncture marks at the back of its head resembling a bite mark of a leopard’s canine teeth.

There was also a recent study that used AI to scan the fossils and analyze their tooth marks. They have found out that early humans were, in fact, hunted by bigger cats such as a leopard or their close relatives. Scientists also suggest that if these human ancestors were hunted by medium-sized predators, where a leopard would be categorized as, then they were probably not apex predators yet.

So, how could leopards, which are one of the smaller species in the big carnivorous cats category, like lions and tigers, be able to prey on a human? Well, their hunting strategy is often by ambush, so using their stealth, they probably jump out of nowhere to suddenly strike and bite a critical area like the skull.

After all, earlier humans were smaller and slower, so not just the leopards but all the other big cats, such as lions’ and cheetahs’ ancestors, who are bigger than the modern animals, likely competed with and sometimes hunted humans if they lived in the same environments.

Read more: IFLScience

Hyenas: Bone-Crushing Predators

The Predators of Prehistory

We often thought of hyenas as just scavengers, not capable of hunting themselves. However, there was a fossil evidence from sites in South Africa, such as Florisbad, that shows a human skull fragment with gnaw marks. The shape and the force it would take to do the damage were aligned with those of a hyena’s jaws and capabilities.

Moreover, the hyenas of the past were larger and more formidable than the modern-day ones. They also lived in large groups and could easily hunt a lone human who got lost away from their pack. They have powerful teeth and bite force that could reach the marrow inside the bones.

These animals may not have been as dangerous as the bigger cats, which could singlehandedly hunt an earlier, smaller version of hominins, but at night, hyenas’ teamwork and boldness still made them a serious danger.

Large Birds of Prey

There is a famous fossil named “Taung Child”, from a species which existed before the Homo genus, the Australopithecus. It showed talon marks in its remains that are consistent with predation from an eagle-like creature, or a large bird of prey.

In other words, the skies may have been a danger for smaller hominins too, especially their young ones. Additionally, the open savannas and woodlands where hominins may have spent a lot of time, as the place where they would hunt and gather resources, would be a perfect hunting ground for the larger birds.

Studies of modern-day eagle predation on monkeys have also provided similar findings. It simply infers that the damage found on the fossil of the young hominin was most probably inflicted by a close relative of this species. So, even in the clear skies, the earlier humans must be alert and ready to react when a big eagle sets their eyes to prey on them.

Read more: ResearchGate

Other Predators That Could Have Preyed on Early Humans

When Humans Were Prey

Another predator scientists suspect that may have preyed on humans is Dinofelis. It is an extinct saber-toothed cat that lived alongside hominins millions of years ago. They have fossils nearby of those from early hominins, suggesting they may have shared the same environments.

Although most fossils that have bite marks are attributed to leopards or hyenas, Dinofelis also has long, sharp canine teeth that are just perfect for puncturing hominins’ skulls or necks. It is also a species that preferred the forestry areas as its hunting ground, a place where early humans could forage and gather resources.

In other words, their size, strength, hunting style, and environment they lived in make them a threat, especially to younger individuals of the group. Another species that was recorded to prey on humans was crocodiles.

Crocodiles or their prehistoric ancestors may have attacked humans who tried to take some water or drink from the rivers they lived on. This is another ambush-style attack that would be nearly impossible to dodge.

Lastly, another predator could be snakes. Some humans are naturally scared of snakes when they see one for the first time. It may be a trait that was passed down naturally as we evolved. Fearing snakes could be an evolutionary reaction or a defense mechanism for our ancestors to survive.

Author's Final Thoughts

Over 2 million years ago, humans were far from being the undeniable apex predators, who no one could prey upon because of their intelligence, tools, and society. That version of hominins would be later on down the line, but even then, these animals or their descendants would still pose a big threat in the wild.

Fossil evidence shows that leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, and even eagles preyed on them. However, these constant risks also shaped human evolution. Surviving under the pressure of being hunted by one of these creatures could have made humans develop better tools, control of fire, and enhanced teamwork. In the end, it was our intelligence and cooperation that helped humans finally climb to the very top of the food chain.

Read next: How Different Are Modern Humans From Homo Sapiens Who Walked the Earth 300,000 Years Ago, If We Belong to the Same Species? — Here’s What Scientists Think

References & Further Reading

Berger, L. R., & Clarke, R. J. (1995). Eagle involvement in accumulation of the Taung child fauna. Journal of Human Evolution. https://journals.co.za/doi/pdf/10.10520/AJA00382353_7783

Berger, L. R., & McGraw, W. S. (2007). Further evidence for eagle predation of, and feeding damage on, the Taung child. South African Journal of Science. https://www.scielo.org.za/pdf/sajs/v103n11-12/a1310312.pdf

Sauqué, V., et al. (2014). Bone accumulation by leopards in the Late Pleistocene in the Moncayo Massif (NE Spain). PLoS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0092144

Pickering, T. R., Heaton, J. L., Zwodeski, S., & Kuman, K. (2011). Taphonomy of bones from baboons killed and eaten by wild leopards in Mapungubwe National Park, South Africa. Journal of Taphonomy. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232273070_Taphonomy_of_Bones_from_Baboons_Killed_and_Eaten_by_Wild_Leopards_in_Mapungubwe_National_Park_South_Africa