They find an intact saber-toothed tiger cub: it is an event in paleontology

“The study of the appearance of the specimen showed its significant differences from a modern lion cub of similar age (three weeks) in the unusual shape of the muzzle with a large mouth opening and small ears, the very massive neck region, the forelimbs elongated and dark coat color,” explain the researchers.

The puppy also has intact hair. “The mummy’s body is covered with short, thick, soft, dark brown fur with hairs about 20 to 30 millimeters long. The fur on the back and neck is longer than that on the legs. In the region of the corner of the mouth, the hair is significantly elongated,” the study reports.

Comparison of saber-toothed tiger cub and lion cub. Image appeared in Lopatin, AV, Sotnikova, MV, Klimovsky, AI et al. Mummy of a juvenile sabre-toothed cat Homotherium latidens from the Upper Pleistocene of Siberia. Sci Rep 14, 28016 (2024).Scientific Reports

The discovery of this pup, called the Badyarikha mummy in the study, represents a milestone in Pleistocene fauna research. “The study of the mummy of a puppy Homotherium latidens allowed us to observe for the first time its fur, the shape of its snout, the shape and position of the pinna, the morphology of the mouth opening and the nasal plane. The shape of the front leg of this predator was studied and the characteristics of the distribution of its muscle mass were also established for the first time.”

The Late Pleistocene ended approximately 11,700 years ago. It was characterized by harsh glaciations. During the Pleistocene, extensive ice sheets covered the highest areas of the planet, particularly in the northern hemisphere. The paws of the newly discovered little pup show the species’ adaptations for moving through the snow and withstanding the weather.