In the remote Yakutia region of Russia, scientists are currently performing an autopsy on a wolf that was found frozen in permafrost, dating back approximately 44,000 years. This discovery is being hailed as the first of its kind, representing the world’s first late Pleistocene predator to be uncovered. The wolf was found by chance by residents in the Abyysky district of Yakutia in 2021 and is now being carefully examined by researchers.
Yakutia, a vast region in Russia’s far northeast, is mostly covered in permafrost, with winter temperatures dropping to extremely low levels. Despite the prevalence of animal carcasses buried deep in permafrost in the region, the discovery of a well-preserved wolf is considered unique. The head of the mammoth fauna department at the Yakutia Academy of Sciences, Albert Protopopov, emphasized the significance of this find, noting that it provides valuable insights into the ancient ecosystem of Yakutia.
Protopopov described the wolf as a large predator, slightly smaller than cave lions and bears but highly active and mobile. In addition to being a skilled predator, the wolf was also a scavenger, reflecting its adaptability in the harsh conditions of the late Pleistocene era. Artyom Nedoluzhko, the development director of the paleogenetics laboratory at the European University at Saint Petersburg, highlighted the importance of studying the wolf’s remains to understand its diet, behavior, and relationship to other ancient wolves in Eurasia.
Overall, the discovery of the frozen wolf in Yakutia represents a significant milestone in paleontological research, shedding light on the ancient landscapes and wildlife that once inhabited the region thousands of years ago. Scientists hope that further analysis of the wolf’s remains will provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of these fascinating predators.