The Middle Paleolithic site of Buzdujeni 1 (Northern Moldova): evidence on periodic occupation by cave hyena

The new archaeozoological and taphonomical data identify the Middle Paleolithic site of Buzdujeni 1 as a periodic cave hyena (Crocuta crocuta spelaea) den. The most complete taphonomic evidence on hyena den come from the recently excavated squares K-5 and L-5 of layer 3, but the presence of hyena at Buzdujeni 1 site is also recorded in layers 4, 5, and 6. The evidence of cave hyena presence at Buzdujeni 1 include steak-like bone fragments, nibbled and chewed stick-like bone fragments, gnawed bones of large prey species (Bison priscus, Coelodonta antiquitatis), and skeletal remains of juvenile individuals. The composition of fauna from Buzdujeni 1 indicates generally open landscape in the environments of the site when Paleolithic layers were accumulated.