Scientists in search of ancient tusks made a startling discovery. They uncovered the nearly perfectly preserved remains of a woolly mammoth in northern Siberia. The juvenile mammoth is believed to be more than 10,000 years old, but was only 3 to 4 years old when it died. It is unlike any other mammoth that has been unearthed before.
The scientists reveal their discovery, which they named “Yuka,” in a BBC documentary. Yuka has strawberry blond hair, unlike the dark hair that other mammoths have been found to have. Plus, Yuka’s footpads are incredibly well preserved, but some of his bones are missing.
Scientists are trying to determine how Yuka died. They believe it’s possible that it could be due to human interaction with the animal. It’s plausible that ancient humans may have stolen the mammoth from lions. If their theory proves correct, this will be the first relatively complete mammoth to show evidence of human interaction.
Oh man, how is that old dead thing so beautiful?!
8:51 PM on Saturday 14th July 2012 with 32 notes
