Ice Age &ldquoPuppies&rdquo Reveal Wolf Origins, Not Early Dogs
Two mummified Ice Age &ldquoTumat Puppies,&rdquo discovered in Siberian permafrost, were long thought to be early domesticated dogs. However, new research reveals they were actually 2-month-old wolf cubs, exceptionally preserved with fur, claws, and even stomach contents intact. Genetic and chemical analyses show no signs of human interaction, suggesting the cubs lived and died in the wild over 14,000 years ago when their den collapsed.

The cubs&rsquo last meal included woolly rhino meat and wagtail feathers, hinting they were fed by adult wolves, not humans. Despite being found near a mammoth butchering site, researchers believe these cubs weren&rsquot fed by humans and likely belonged to a wolf pack raising young similar to how wolves do today.

The study provides rare insights into Ice Age ecosystems and challenges assumptions about early dog domestication. It remains difficult to distinguish ancient dogs from wolves due to overlapping traits and limited fossil evidence. The findings also underscore the importance of combining archaeological, genetic, and ecological data to understand canine evolution.Stomach contents were well preserved inside the mummified cub remains. Mietje Germonpré, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences

While the discovery may disappoint those hoping for early dog evidence, the well-preserved cubs help reconstruct ancient wolf behavior and diets. Researchers stress that pinpointing dog domestication remains complex, requiring stronger evidence than currently available. Still, these wolf cubs offer a remarkable glimpse into Ice Age life and the early history of the canid family.