New Study Confirms Ice-Age 'Puppies' Were Actually Ancient Wolves

Recent research conducted by scientists at the University of York has definitively established that two well-preserved cubs, initially believed to be early domesticated dogs, are in fact ancient wolf cubs. This finding, which revises long-held assumptions about the origins of domesticated dogs, emerges from an extensive analysis of the cubs' remains, discovered in northern Siberia, approximately 40 kilometers from the village of Tumat.

The remains of these cubs, unearthed in 2011 and 2015 at the Syalakh site, were remarkably preserved in permafrost alongside mammoth bones that bore signs of human activity, prompting speculation that they were early dogs interacting with humans. The initial hypothesis was bolstered by the cubs' black fur, a trait historically associated with domesticated dogs. However, the latest research reveals a different narrative.

According to Dr. Anne Kathrine Runge, a researcher in the Department of Archaeology at the University of York, the team employed genetic testing and chemical analyses of the cubs’ stomach contents and remains. "The data indicated that these cubs were indeed wolves, living wild during the Pleistocene era," she stated. The examination revealed that the cubs, approximately two months old at their time of death, were nursing but also consuming solid food, including meat from a woolly rhinoceros, which suggests their diet was diverse and indicative of a rich ecosystem.

The cubs likely fell victim to a landslide or collapse while resting in their den, as there were no signs of injury or predation. These findings not only provide insights into the lives of these ancient creatures but also complicate the narrative surrounding the domestication of dogs. Dr. Nathan Wales, a colleague of Runge, emphasized the importance of these discoveries, stating, "These findings suggest that the evolutionary paths of ancient wolves and modern wolves are closely linked, with similar feeding behaviors and social structures."

The research also raised questions about the size and hunting behaviors of these ancient wolves. The presence of woolly rhinoceros remains in the cubs' stomachs indicates that they may have been more formidable hunters than modern gray wolves. Dr. Wales noted, "The hunting of a young woolly rhinoceros suggests that these ancient wolves may have been larger and more powerful, capable of taking down significant prey."

This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the environment in which these wolves lived. Fossilized plant remains found in their stomachs included prairie grasses and willow twigs, indicating a varied ecosystem. Despite their proximity to mammoth remains, there was no evidence that the cubs consumed mammoth meat, further elucidating their dietary preferences.

The implications of this research extend beyond the cubs themselves. The findings suggest that the characteristics once thought to be indicative of domesticated dogs may not be unique to them, complicating the narrative of dog domestication. As Dr. Runge articulated, "The discovery of these wolf cubs provides a significant piece of the puzzle in understanding the origins of domestic dogs, with the black fur color potentially being misleading in tracing their lineage."

The full findings of this research are detailed in the journal Quaternary Research, marking a significant advancement in the study of ancient canids and their relationship to modern-day dogs. As researchers continue to explore the frozen landscapes of Siberia, the hope remains that further discoveries may provide additional clues to the evolutionary journey from wolf to dog, a transformation that remains partially obscured by time. The quest to uncover the first true domesticated dog continues, with the past holding many secrets yet to be revealed.