A remarkably preserved mummified saber-toothed cub, dating back 35,000 years, was discovered in Siberia’s permafrost.

Unearthed in 2020, a study of the cub was published in *Scientific Reports* on November 14, 2024.

The research highlights the exceptional rarity of such well-preserved Late Pleistocene remains, though many similar finds in Russia are located in the Indigirka River basin.

Frozen for millennia, the cub’s remains are exceptionally well-preserved, even retaining its fur.

“The mummy is covered in short, thick, soft, dark brown fur, approximately 20–30 mm long,” the authors reported, noting longer fur on the back and neck compared to the legs.

The head, chest, forelimbs, and paws are also remarkably intact.

This discovery provided scientists with a unique opportunity for groundbreaking research.

“For the first time, the appearance of an extinct mammal with no modern equivalent has been studied,” the authors explained.

Analysis determined the cub died at around three weeks old. Identified as *Homotherium latidens*, it exhibited significant differences from modern lion cubs of a similar age.

Key distinctions included a broad muzzle, small ears, a robust neck, long forelimbs, and darker fur.

The study also investigated the species’ adaptation to frigid climates.

Large paws and the lack of carpal pads are believed to have aided locomotion through snow.

Other ancient animals have been found in Siberian permafrost in recent years.

For instance, Live Science reported in June 2024 on the discovery of a mummified wolf, dating back over 44,000 years, in 2021.