At the Gesher Benot Ya'aqov site in the Hula Valley, scientists have uncovered remains of Palaeoloxodon antiquus elephants, an extinct species of straight-tusked elephant, alongside Acheulean stone tools dated to around 700,000 years ago. These findings offer a glimpse into the environment and lifestyle of early humans and animals in the region. The site is known for its rich archaeological record, including the discovery of what is believed to be the world’s oldest evidence of fire cooking, with carbonized fish remains dated to about 780,000 years ago. Isotopic analysis of the elephant’s dental enamel suggests that the animal had a varied diet, consuming both forest vegetation and plants found near rivers or wetlands, likely in the Jordan Valley area. This dietary pattern is supported by pollen analysis of the sediment layers beneath the fossils, which reveal a mix of Mediterranean forests, open fields, riparian (riverbank) vegetation, and aquatic plants. These findings indicate that the region was a diverse and ecologically rich environment, supporting a wide range of plant and animal life. The proximity of the elephant remains to Acheulean tools—stone axes and other implements used by early humans—raises intriguing questions about the relationship between hominins and these large animals. While there is no direct evidence that the elephant was hunted or killed by early humans, the close spatial association of the remains suggests a possible interaction. Researchers emphasize that this connection remains a strong indicator rather than definitive proof. The study highlights how the availability of water, food, and shelter shaped the survival strategies of early humans and animals in the region. According to Gonen Sharon, the lead author of the study, the wetlands, rivers, and forests of the Hula Valley created an ideal environment for both hominins and their prey to coexist. This region, located in the Levant, served as a crucial migratory corridor for early humans moving between Africa and Eurasia. The findings have been published in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews.