Vertebrate Fauna from Fusihatchee (1EE191)

Vertebrate evidence for animal use by native groups of the interior southeastern United States during the Protohistoric and early Historic periods are rare. Additional data for this time period from the Fusihatchee site are reported here. Fusihatchee vertebrate remains are from two Protohistoric structures (Structures 6 and 8) and a Historic feature (Feature 320/335). Data from two other features (Features 390 and 2232) are commented upon briefly. The Protohistoric component includes 4,218 specimens weighing 7,049.228 g and containing the remains of at least 103 individuals.The Historic component includes 975 specimens weighing 1,214.37 g and containing the remains of at least 20 individuals. These data support earlier interpretations that traditional resources continued to be used after contact with European colonists throughout the region. Only those resources associated with European colonies which could easily be incorporated into existing patterns of subsistence were adopted. Otherwise, native groups continued familiar subsistence activities with local variations reflecting the character of social interaction and environmental variability.