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Tiny mummified remains of two ice age animals – a caribou and a wolf pup – were dug up from permafrost by gold miners near Dawson City, Yukon.
The two animal specimens, both over 50,000 years old, are remarkably well preserved, with intact fur, skin and muscle tissue.
"They are spectacular, they are world class, and we are really excited about them," said Yukon government paleontologist Grant Zazula.
The bones and fossils of the Ice Age are often found in the Yukon, but mummified corpses are extremely rare, according to Zazula.
"To our knowledge, it is the only wolf of the mummified ice age in the world."
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Caribou remains include the torso, head and front limbs of the animal. The specimen was found in June 2016 on a placer mine owned by Tony Beets, known for his appearances in the reality show, Gold rush.
It was discovered in an area that includes an 80,000-year-old volcanic ash bed, Zazula said.
"These are ashes found in the permafrost of Alaska volcanoes that erupted during the ice age," he said. "We think it's one of the oldest mummified soft tissues in the world."
Caribou were found in an area with an 80,000 year old volcanic ash bed. They are thought to be among the oldest mummified mammalian tissues ever found. (Government of Canada / Canadian Conservation Institute)
The Cub was discovered about a month later, in July 2016, by another miner to another claim, also near Dawson. The specimen is complete, with the head, tail, fur and skin intact.
"It's crazy. [the miner] thought it might be a dog, "Zazula said.
A veterinarian studied the remains and felt that the puppy had not more than eight weeks old when he died, according to Zazula.
"It's very cute, it's beautiful, it's amazing," said Yukon paleontologist Grant Zazula, about the werewolf. (Wayne Vallevand / CBC)
"It's so cute, it's beautiful, it's amazing," he said.
According to the Yukon government, miners quickly reported their findings to researchers for study and preservation.
Both specimens have been accepted by the Canadian Conservation Institute because of their scientific value.
The mummified animals are now on display at Dawno's Dänojà Zho Cultural Center, where they will stay for the rest of the month.
The Yukon government has stated that the specimens would be included in an exhibition at the Beringia Interpretive Center in Whitehorse.
The miner who found the Cub remains "thought it might be a dog," Zazula said. (Government of Canada / Canadian Conservation Institute)
With files from Jackie McKay
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