NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY Excavations at the Pharr Mounds and the Bear Creek Site

The recovery of bits of charred corncobs in the old soil horizon beneath the Bear Creek mound indicates that the Indians practiced agriculture.

Apparently hunting was also important. The bones found in the trash pits and mound fill show that a wide variety of game was taken; opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), beaver (Castor canadensis), raccoon (Procyon lotor), black bear (Ursus americanus), turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), and box turtle (Terapene carolina). Additionally, garfish (Lepis osteus sp.) were taken from the streams.

Although no native plant remains were recovered, the Indians undoubtedly took advantage of the seasonal abundance of nuts and other wild vegetal foods.