SANTIAGO: A 15,600-year old footprint, which was discovered in southern Chile has been believed to be the oldest-ever footprint found in the Americas, researchers have said.

The footprint was discovered by a student studying at the Universidad Austral of Chile in 2010. Soon after, scientists endeavored for years to dismiss the possibility that the foot print may have belonged to some other species of animal.

According to Karen Moreno, a paleontologist with the Universidad Austral, researchers had also discovered some bones of animals such as primitive elephants, near the site. However, researchers said the footprint was evidence of human presence.

Karen said that this has been the first evidence of humans in the Americas, which is older than 12,000 years. (Agencies)