This paper provides preliminary results of our detailed taphonomic and zooarchaeological analysis of the faunal remains from the new excavations at the Middle Pleolithic and Upper Pleolithic sites of Ortvala Klde rockshelter and Dzudzuana Cave (1996-2001 seasons. We highlight the foraging behaviors and the depositional histories of the bone assemblages and draw broad conclusions regarding differences and similarities in hunting,butchering, and transport strategies of Late Middle Paleolithic and Early Upper Paleolithic occupants of the foothills of the southwestern Caucasus.