Two frozen “puppies” found in Siberia were once believed to be early dogs. But new research now reveals they were actually wild wolf cubs, offering a fresh look into how humans and wolves once lived side by side.
A Discovery That Sparked Hope
When scientists found two small, furry animals frozen deep in the Siberian permafrost, excitement spread fast. These animals, perfectly preserved for over 14,000 years, looked just like puppies. Many hoped they were among the earliest dogs to live alongside humans. But a new study has flipped that idea on its head.
What the Science Really Says
Researchers recently took a closer look at the remains using advanced techniques to study their DNA and proteins. The results were clear: these animals weren’t early dogs. They were actually wolf cubs, and very young ones too, possibly just two months old when they died.
They were discovered in an area known as Tumat, and that is why they are mostly known as the Tumat puppies. Although their puppy looks made many people believe they were domesticated, their biology said otherwise.
Life in the Ice Age
The cubs likely lived during the last Ice Age, a time when humans were still learning to survive harsh climates and wild landscapes. Wolves were common back then, and while people may have come across these animals, it doesn’t mean they were already forming bonds with them.
Experts now believe these wolf cubs died suddenly, possibly caught in a mudslide or sudden freeze, and were preserved for thousands of years by the icy ground.
Rethinking the Origins of Dogs
This discovery adds a new twist to the story of dog domestication. Scientists agree that dogs came from wolves, but figuring out exactly when and how that happened is still a mystery. The frozen cubs show that not every ancient canine was a pet or a partner to humans.
What’s clear is that the journey from wild wolf to loyal pet was not a straight path. It took time, trial, and likely many failed attempts before wolves became the dogs we know and love today.
So while the Tumat cubs may not have curled up next to a human fire, they still offer a powerful glimpse into the wild world of the past and how our bond with animals began.
