Vultures have been stealing our stuff for centuries, according to new archaeological evidence coming out of southern Spain.

A recent study in the journal Ecology revealed that bearded vultures have been unintentionally preserving a compendium of human objects for centuries, and all by trying to make a home for their babies.

Researchers investigating 12 ancient bearded vulture nests unearthed a collection of relics spanning centuries, from a 750-year-old espadrille shoe to leather straps, crossbow bolts, a slingshot, and even basket fragments made of esparto grass. That last one, by the way, is the same grass still used in modern espadrilles.

The vultures have been extinct in this region for over 70 years. When they were alive, they used the nearby cliffside caves for several generations

See Full Page