Українська
русский
Science

Fossilized ground squirrel from the Ice Age discovered in Canada (photo)

Maxim Karpenko

Fossilized ground squirrel from the Ice Age discovered in Canada (photo)
Fossilized ground squirrel from the Ice Age discovered in Canada

An Arctic ground squirrel curled up in a ball was discovered in Canada. According to scientists, the animal is about 30,000 years old and was alive during the Ice Age.

The discovery was made by a miner near Dawson City, Yukon. This was reported by CBC News.

It is noted that bones and fossils of animals are regularly found at the site. For example, a mummified wolf cub and a baby mammoth were once found there.

Read also: The first complete skull of a saber-toothed cat was found in the USA

The scientists examined the ground squirrel with an X-ray. The researchers immediately discovered the solid bone structure of the body.

Fossilized Arctic ground squirrel about 30 thousand years old found in Canada. Source: CBC News
Fossilized Arctic ground squirrel about 30 thousand years old found in Canada. Source: CBC News

"We could see that he was in great condition, and he was just curled up like he was sleeping," said Dr. Jess Heath.

In Canada, a fossilized arctic ground squirrel, about 30,000 years old, was found. Source: CBC News
In Canada, a fossilized arctic ground squirrel, about 30,000 years old, was found. Source: CBC News

It is not known what exactly killed the animal. According to preliminary guesses, the ground squirrel died in the first year of hibernation.

In Canada, a fossilized arctic ground squirrel, about 30,000 years old, was found. Source: CBC News
In Canada, a fossilized arctic ground squirrel, about 30,000 years old, was found. Source: CBC News

Earlier, archaeologists dug up a Mayan tomb near Palenque in Chiapas. The tomb is built of stone slabs in a style that has not been found in Palenque before.

If you want to receive the latest news about the war and events in Ukraine, subscribe to our Telegram channel!