Abstract: In order to understand the cause of death of Cervus nippon found in Tianyuan Cave and to recognize the details about prehistoric humans' hunting activities, age profiles of these animals were determined on the basis of tooth attrition analysis. This work involved: measuring crown heights, assessing attritional characteristics of Cervus teeth ( including exposure of enamel and dentine), and examining closure of the infundibulum. Results of these analyses show that young adult and middle aged individuals were the dominant elements in the fossil assemblage. It is inferred that the sika deers were the preys of prehistoric humans.

Key words: Tianyuan Cave; Cervus nippon; Age structure; Death causation