Frozen remains of 35,000-year-old saber-toothed cub amaze scientists

A 35,000-year-old mummified saber-toothed cub of a catlike animal remained almost perfectly preserved in Siberia’s permafrost.

Back in 2020, the remains had been found northeast of Yakutia, Russia. On November 14, 2024, research regarding the study of the cub was published in the journal Scientific Reports, according to Fox News.

As per the published research, the discovery of frozen remains from the Late Pleistocene period is “very rare”.

The mummified cub remained well-preserved, frozen in time for thousands of years. The frozen nature of this find left it in impressive condition, even still containing fur.

For thousands of years, the mummified cub remained well-preserved and frozen in time. Moreover, the frozen nature of this find has left it in impressive condition with still containing fur.

"The mummy body is covered with short, thick, soft, dark brown fur with hair about 20mm–30mm long," the authors wrote in the published research.

The study of this find also provided first-of-its kind research and wasn't just a unique opportunity for scientists.

"For the first time in the history of paleontology, the appearance of an extinct mammal that has no analogues in the modern fauna has been studied," the authors of the study explained.

Additionally, the scientists determined that the cub had died at about three weeks old. The authors of the study identified the cub as belonging to the species Homotherium latidens.