Comment on Evidence of humans in North America during the Last Glacial Maximum

Bennett et al. (Reports, 24 September 2021, p. 1528) report human footprints from Lake Otero, New Mexico, USA similar to 22,000 years ago. Critical assessment suggests that their radiocarbon chronology may be inaccurate. Reservoir effects may have caused radiocarbon ages to appear thousands of years too old. Independent verification of the ages of the footprint horizons is imperative and is possible through other means.

Automated summary

Researchers have discovered human footprints similar to those from 22,000 years ago at Lake Otero in New Mexico, USA. However, the accuracy of their radiocarbon dating is being questioned, as reservoir effects may have caused the radiocarbon ages to appear older than they actually are. Independent verification of the footprints' ages through other means is necessary.