Scientists have uncovered two well-preserved ice age “puppies” in Northern Siberia that challenge long-held theories about early domesticated dogs. The “Tumat Puppies,” named for their location, contain hints of a last meal consisting of woolly rhinoceros meat and bird feathers from a wagtail.
Analysis of tiny plant remains found in the cubs’ stomachs suggests they lived in a mild environment with diverse vegetation, including prairie grasses and willows. The researchers also believe the pups were likely still nursing milk from their mother. However, no evidence was found that mammoths or humans fed them directly.
The discovery strengthens the argument that the Tumat Puppies were wolves rather than dogs. Similar to how modern wolf packs breed and raise their young, the cubs’ den and feeding habits suggest a natural pack dynamic. The lack of strong genetic ties to domestic dogs and the absence of evidence linking the cubs to human activity also support this conclusion.
The origin of the woolly rhinoceros meat is unclear, but it’s possible that adult wolves in the area hunted or scavenged the carcass. The researchers are still trying to understand how ancient humans and wolf packs interacted, a topic that remains shrouded in mystery due to the lack of written sources and cave art.
The study highlights the complexity of determining whether ancient remains like the Tumat Puppies are early domestic dogs, wild wolves, or scavengers. Researchers must consider multiple lines of evidence from archaeology, morphology, genetics, and ecology to reach a conclusion. The discovery of these ancient Siberian wolves provides a new perspective on their lives and sheds light on the mysterious connection between humans and wolves in the past.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/14/science/ice-age-wolf-pups