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

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Author Linnea H, BSc Sociology

44,000-Year-Old Mummified Wolf
The mummified wolf was discovered in the Siberian permafrost in 2021. "44,000-year-old mummified wolf discovered well-preserved in Russia" Source: YouTube, Uploaded: New York Post

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

Discovery of the Ancient Wolf

44,000-Year-Old Mummified Wolf
Researchers took samples from the wolf’s stomach and digestive tract. “44,000-year-old mummified wolf discovered well-preserved in Russia” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: New York Post

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

Location of the Discovery

44,000-Year-Old Mummified Wolf
Tooth analysis revealed the wolf was an adult male. “44,000-year-old mummified wolf discovered well-preserved in Russia” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: New York Post

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

Significance of the Discovery

44,000-Year-Old Mummified Wolf
Researchers examined the preserved organs of the wolf during the necropsy. “44,000-year-old mummified wolf discovered well-preserved in Russia” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: New York Post

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

Necropsy Performed on the Wolf

44,000-Year-Old Mummified Wolf
Researchers will examine the samples taken for viruses. “44,000-year-old mummified wolf discovered well-preserved in Russia” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: New York Post

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

44,000-Year-Old Mummified Wolf
The wolf necropsy is part of a larger project to understand the ancient fauna from Siberia. “44,000-year-old mummified wolf discovered well-preserved in Russia” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: New York Post

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

Wolf
Wolf. Image via Depositphotos.

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

Potential Medical and Biotechnological Applications

Wolf. Image via Depositphotos.

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

red wolf
Red wolf. United States Fishing and Wildlife Service (USFWS), CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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

Watch a video on the discovery here!

YouTube video
“44,000-year-old mummified wolf discovered well-preserved in Russia” Source: YouTube, Uploaded: New York Post
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