Analysis Reveals Ice Age 'Puppies' Are Wolf Cubs, Not Dogs

A recent study led by researchers from the University of York has clarified the long-standing debate surrounding the remains of two Ice Age specimens, often referred to as 'puppies.' These remains, dating back over 14,000 years, were discovered in northern Siberia at the Syalakh site, approximately 40 kilometers from the village of Tumat. Contrary to previous assumptions that these specimens were early domesticated dogs, genetic analysis indicates that they are more likely to be wolf cubs.

The study, published in the journal Quaternary Research, involved collaboration among researchers from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Russia, and Sweden. It revealed that the cubs were sisters, approximately two months old, and exhibited a mixed diet consisting of both meat and plant matter. Notably, researchers were surprised to find evidence of woolly rhinoceros remains in their stomachs, suggesting that these wolf cubs had a diet that included hunting large prey, which is atypical for modern wolf behavior.

Dr. Anne Kathrine Runge, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of York's Department of Archaeology, emphasized the significance of these findings. "It was incredible to find two sisters from this era so well preserved, but even more incredible that we can now tell so much of their story, down to the last meal that they ate," she stated. The analysis highlighted that while the cubs were well-fed and nursed, there was no evidence of them consuming mammoth meat, despite their proximity to human-modified mammoth bones. Instead, one cub's stomach contained partially digested woolly rhinoceros skin, indicating they had died shortly after their last meal.

The implications of this study extend beyond the specific case of the Tumat puppies. Dr. Nathan Wales, also from the University of York, noted that the soft tissues preserved in these specimens provide new avenues for understanding the evolutionary history of wolves. "We have an insight into their breeding behaviors too. The pair were sisters and were likely being reared in a den and cared for by their pack—all common characteristics of breeding and raising offspring in wolves today," he remarked.

This research contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding the domestication of dogs. Previous hypotheses suggested that black fur color, seen in the Tumat puppies, was a trait exclusive to dogs, but this study challenges that notion. With no direct lineage traced from these ancient wolves to modern domestic dogs, the mystery of canine domestication remains unresolved.

The discovery of tiny fossilized plant remnants in the cubs' stomachs further indicates that they existed in a diverse ecosystem, rich in various plants and animals. This diversity suggests a complex environment that could support a wide array of species, including both wolves and early human populations that may have utilized the same resources.

As researchers continue to investigate the evolutionary pathways of wolves and their relation to domestic dogs, the Tumat puppies serve as a crucial piece of the puzzle. The findings underscore the need for further exploration of similar sites, as more cubs may yet be buried in permafrost, holding more secrets to the life and environment of these ancient canids. The research has opened new avenues for understanding the origins of both wolves and dogs and highlights the importance of continued interdisciplinary collaboration in paleontological studies.