277 1 Introduction Pitted Ware culture (PWC) groups inhabiting the southernmost reaches of Scandinavia in Danish Jut- land have long been understood as tightly linked to the marine-oriented cultural ethos expressed in the broader PWC phenomenon (Iversen 2010; 2016). However, a more complex picture of assimi- lation, integration and innovation by PWC groups is evidenced in the faunal record recovered from Djursland. To date, the only faunal assemblages se- curely associated with PWC occupation in present- day Denmark are from Kainsbakke, Kirial Bro and Ginnerup. Te faunal remains from the PWC site of Selbjerg (Marseen 1953) may be mixed with Funnel Beaker culture (TRB) material due to recent dis- turbances and unauthorised excavations (Sterum 1978). Of the faunal assemblages reliably attributed to PWC occupation, the assemblage recovered from pit A47 at Kainsbakke is outstanding for its pres- ervation and size, while the smaller assemblages recovered from Kirial Bro and Ginnerup provide much needed regional information on general ani- mal exploitation strategies pursued by PWC groups on Djursland. New faunal analyses include newly ex- cavated materials as well as re-analyses of the older Kainsbakke assemblage. In addition to investigating Herder-hunter-fishers and agricultural contacts Zooarchaeological perspectives on Pitted Ware animal exploitation strategies on Djursland Cheryl A. Makarewicz & Sarah Pleuger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the relative intensity of hunting, herding and fshing practised by PWC groups, new analyses characteris- ing demographic, biometric and taphonomic data inform on precise animal production goals for daily subsistence and community sharing. Te location of sites discussed in the text is pre- sented in Figure 1. 1.2 Te PWC site of Kainsbakke Kainsbakke is located in northeastern Djursland, Denmark and associated with the PWC complex on the basis of distinctive material culture (Win- centz this vol.) and radiocarbon dates (Philippsen et al. this vol.). Te roughly contemporaneous PWC sites of Ginnerup and Kirial Bro are located nearby (Wincentz this vol.; Rasmussen this vol.). During the occupation period of Kainsbakke (c. 3050-2800 BC), the northern parts of Djursland were separated from the peninsula by Kolindsund Fjord so that the site was situated on a sizeable island (Wincentz this vol.). Te majority of cultural material from Kains- bakke was recovered from pit A47, a large feature 5.7 x 4.5 m across and 1 m in depth. Te pit was