A mummified saber-toothed cat cub discovered in Siberia is creating excitement among paleontologists as the first known Homotherium latidens mummy. Its exceptional preservation, including intact fur, skin, and forelimbs, offers a glimpse into the species' anatomy and hunting adaptations. The cub's fur is short, dense, and surprisingly soft, while its claws and paw pads remain intact. Radiocarbon dating revealed the cub is over 35,000 years old, providing insights into its life during the Pleistocene epoch.
The new mummy findings reveal that saber-toothed cubs differed dramatically from modern lion cubs of a similar age. The image above highlights differences in the skulls of the mummifed Homotherium latidens (A, B) and Panthera leo (C, D) at 3 weeks old. courtesy Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin
Compared to modern lion cubs, the saber-toothed cub displayed distinct features, such as a darker coat, shorter ears, longer forelimbs, and a larger mouth. Its circular paw shape, resembling a bear’s, suggests reliance on strong forearms to immobilize prey. Scientists noted this mummy allows for deeper understanding of saber-toothed cats' evolutionary history, as prior research relied on fossil scanning and modeling. Genetic analysis revealed Homotherium split from other ancient cats around 18 million years ago, making this mummy a rare link to feline evolutionary origins. Researchers are now examining its DNA and anatomy further, marveling at the discovery's historical significance.
