Stunning 44,000-Year-Old Mummified Wolf Discovered in Siberian Permafrost

Discover the incredible find of a 44,000-year-old mummified wolf in Siberian permafrost.

Discovery of the Ancient Wolf

A mummified wolf was discovered in the Siberian permafrost, marking the first complete adult wolf from the late Pleistocene era.

Location of the Discovery

The wolf was found near a river in the Republic of Sakha, also known as Yakutia, in 2021.

Significance of the Discovery

This discovery provides valuable insights into life during the last ice age and the region’s ecosystem.

Necropsy Performed on the Wolf

Scientists at the North-Eastern Federal University in Yakutsk performed a necropsy to study the wolf’s internal organs and stomach contents.

Preservation in Permafrost

The cold and dry conditions of permafrost mummification preserved the wolf’s soft tissues, creating a frozen time capsule.

Analysis of the Wolf’s Diet

Newborn Arctic wolf (Canis lupus arctos), also known as the Melville Island wolf. Image via depositphotos.

Researchers are examining the wolf’s gastrointestinal tract to understand its diet and the prey it consumed.

Examination of Ancient Viruses

portrait of a gray wolf on the background of the forest. Image via depositophotos

The study also aims to detect ancient viruses and microbiota within the wolf’s preserved organs.

Insights from Tooth Analysis

red wolf — Brandon Trentler from USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tooth analysis revealed that the wolf was an adult male and an active predator.

Studying Ancient Microbial Communities

Scientists are investigating ancient bacteria that survived in the fossil to learn about microbial communities from that era.

Potential Medical and Biotechnological Applications

The study of ancient microorganisms could lead to discoveries beneficial for medicine and biotechnology.

Ongoing Research Project

gray wolf — Portrait of grey wolf in the forest. Image via Depositphotos

The necropsy is part of a broader project to study Pleistocene wildlife, including other species like ancient hares, horses, and a Holocene bear.

Future Research Plans

The team plans to study the genome of the discovered wolf and compare it with other ancient and modern wolves.

Examination of Another Ancient Wolf

One-Eyed Yellowstone Wolf Celebrates 10th Litter of Pups — Wolf and Pups via Depositphotos

Researchers will soon begin studying another ancient wolf found in northeast Siberia in 2023.

Learning About Wolf Evolution

Gray wolf suddenly stopped. Image by bazil via Depositphotos

The research aims to understand the evolutionary history of wolves and their relation to modern-day relatives.

Importance of Permafrost Discoveries

wolf pup — Image by Havranka via Depositphotos

Finds like this wolf highlight the critical role of permafrost in preserving ancient life and aiding scientific research.

Preserved Organs Under Study

wolf hybrid dog — Image by Wirestock via Depositphotos

Researchers are closely examining the wolf’s preserved organs to uncover more details about its life and environment.

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Linnea Hansen

Author at Animals Around The Globe. BSc Sociology

Linnea is a born and bred Swede but spends as much time as possible in Cape Town, South Africa. This is mainly due to Cape Town’s extraordinary scenery, wildlife, and atmosphere (in other words, because Cape Town is heaven on earth.) That being said, Sweden’s majestic forests forever hold a special place in her heart. Linnea spends as much time as she can close to the ocean collecting sea shells or in the park admiring puppies.

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