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What Killed the Great Beasts of North America?

Posted by Unknown on from the mostly-spears dept.

sciencehabit writes "Until about 11,000 years ago, mammoths, giant beavers, and other massive mammals roamed North America. Many researchers have blamed their demise on incoming Paleoindians, the first Americans, who allegedly hunted them to extinction. But a new study points to climate and environmental changes instead. The findings could have implications for conservation strategies, including controversial proposals for 'rewilding' lions and elephants into North America."

8 of 214 comments (clear)

  1. It was me. Sorry. by TWiTfan · · Score: 3, Funny

    My bad. Sabertooth tiger and Mammoth just tasted so good.

    --
    The cow says "Moo." The dog says "Woof." The Timothy says "Thanks, valued customer. We appreciate your input."
  2. WTF are they talking about? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I see great hambeasts of North America roaming about everytime I go to Walmart. Largest in the world.

    We have no shortage of large, XL, XXL, XXXL, or XXXXL wildlife.

    1. Re:WTF are they talking about? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      I resemble that remark, asshole!

    2. Re:WTF are they talking about? by Chemisor · · Score: 4, Funny

      Those are the elephants. They now want to introduce lions to thin the herds.

    3. Re:WTF are they talking about? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      Glad to not say it first, but that was my thought... the WalMart candy aisle has substantial populations of mammoths, and on backpage.com you can find any number of giant beavers.

  3. Re:rewilding? by clovis · · Score: 5, Funny

    Read the article. What has /. come to?

    Waiting for someone with a four digit UID to reply "you must be new here"

    I'm on it!

    You must be new here.

  4. WHAT!!! by PortHaven · · Score: 2, Funny

    You'd have to be crazy.....

    Seriously...the earth is hotter than it's ever been before...so I was told, by Mr. Al Gore.

  5. After never hearing of giants beavers before... by grapes911 · · Score: 5, Funny

    I very stupidly just Googled "giant beaver" at work.