“Stone age hunters in northern Europe may have used poison arrows to hunt big prey”

Key points

• Researchers analyzed Mesolithic Danish stone tool technology before farming in Europe.
• They argue small arrow tips imply use of toxins to hunt large prey.
• Poisonous plants possibly used include northern water hemlock, birdcherry, buttercup and nightshade.
• Later Mesolithic arrowheads (6,400–3,950 BC) are larger and likely hunted smaller prey.
• Direct toxin evidence remains elusive, but future testing may detect minute toxins.