The freezing temperature deep in the cave probably explains its attraction to prehistoric hunters. Meat storage is challenging in hot environments like the deserts of the Snake River Plain. Prior to the excavation of Bobcat Cave the only preservation technique for meat known for the region involved smoking, drying and mixing (by pounding) with berries (the acids of which apparently delay decay). Meat processed this way, known as pemmican, is similar to modern “jerky” and if done properly allows meat to be stored for months. The freezing technology exhibited at Bobcat Cave probably added a few extra months of preservation.
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