Ancient Mystery Unveiled: 14,000-Year-Old Mummified ‘Puppies’ Discovered to Be Something Completely Different

Two remarkably well-preserved “puppies” from the Ice Age were discovered in Northern Siberia, but recent studies suggest they might not be dogs at all. Known as the Tumat Puppies, these mummified remains were found still covered in fur, preserved in ice for over 14,000 years. Researchers found remnants of their last meals, including woolly rhinoceros meat and small bird feathers.

Initially believed to be early domesticated dogs or tamed wolves, further genetic analysis and chemical tests reveal that these animals were likely wolf pups, only about two months old. They show no signs of having interacted with humans, suggesting they lived independently from our species.

The pups, believed to be sisters, died when their den collapsed. This incident may have been triggered by a landslide. Their well-preserved remains provide insight into their daily lives and diets, which closely resemble those of modern wolves. “It was incredible to find two sisters from this era in such great condition,” said Anne Kathrine Wiborg Runge, the lead study author. “Their story, even down to their last meal, helps us understand their environment better.”

The research challenges assumptions about when and how dogs became domesticated. Many believe dogs were the first domesticated animals, but the process is complex and still poorly understood. Some theories suggest that ancient wolves scavenged near human settlements, while others propose that people actively captured and raised wolves. However, the evidence surrounding the Tumat Puppies points away from any direct human involvement.

Interestingly, the pups’ diet primarily consisted of meat and also included some plant material, indicating they lived in a dry, mild environment. Their discovery highlights the gap in our understanding of Ice Age ecosystems and the relationship between ancient wolves and humans.

As we dig deeper into the past, the story of the Tumat Puppies may help us uncover the origins of domesticated dogs. Experts like Dr. Linus Girdland-Flink stress the need for meticulous research, as piecing together the evidence from various angles—archaeological, genetic, and ecological—can provide a clearer picture. The lack of strong ties to domestic dogs indicates these pups came from a lineage that did not interact with humans.

The journey of understanding our connection to dogs—our oldest companions—remains ongoing, and findings like these keep bringing us closer to the truth.



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