The NSS Bulletin - ISSN 1090-6924
Volume 50 Number 1: 9-16 - June 1988

A publication of the National Speleological Society

A Preliminary Account of the Pleistocene Mammals from Patton Cave, Monroe County, West Virginia
Frederick Grady

Abstract

Remains of Pleistocene mammals have been recovered from several localities in Patton Cave, Monroe County, West Virginia. The major excavated site produce bones of at least 22 individuals of the peccary, Platygonus compressus, and 75 individuals of small mammals, several species of which have present ranges north of Patton Cave. Other fossil remains found scattered in several nearby sites include a tooth of the extinct deer, Sanqamona fugitiva, a partial skull of the badger, Taxidea taxus, and a partial mandible of the pine martin, Martes americana. A Carbon 14 date of 13,350±120 years BP was obtained for the main site and one of 22,620±240 years BP for a second site. The main site is believed to represent a now-closed natural trap. Tracks and scratches left by bears and possibly other carnivores were discovered near several of the bone sites.

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