35,000-Year-Old Saber-Toothed Kitten Unearthed in Siberian Permafrost

A Glimpse into the Ice Age

Courtesy of Alexey V. Lopatin

Researchers have unearthed a remarkably well-preserved, approximately 35,000-year-old saber-toothed kitten in the permafrost of Yakutia, Siberia. This incredible discovery offers a glimpse into the Ice Age, a time when large mammals known as megafauna roamed the Earth.

The kitten belonged to the extinct species Homotherium latidens, a type of saber-toothed cat characterized by its long, sharp canine teeth. The remains were found near the Badyarikha River in Yakutia, a region renowned for its Pleistocene-era fossil discoveries. The icy conditions of the permafrost acted as a natural freezer, preserving the kitten to an exceptional degree. Its dark brown fur, described as short, thick, and soft, along with its whiskers, claws, and some internal organs, remain intact.

The first known mummified saber-toothed cat, Homotherium latidens, is shown (left) alongside a CT scan of its skeleton (right). (Courtesy of Alexey V. Lopatin)

This extraordinary find has allowed scientists to conduct detailed studies using modern techniques such as radiocarbon dating, CT scans, and genetic analysis. Notably, recent studies published in Scientific Reports have determined that the kitten was only about three weeks old at the time of its death. The cause of death remains unknown.

The remarkably preserved remains of a saber-toothed cub have revealed significant differences in craniofacial structure compared to modern lion cubs of a similar developmental stage. Analysis of the mummified Homotherium latidens specimen (A, B) alongside a Panthera leo (C, D) of approximately three weeks of age, as shown above, highlights these key distinctions. (Courtesy of Alexey V. Lopatin)

The preserved remains include the head and front part of the body, enabling detailed examination of these parts. Studies of the remains and the surrounding environment suggest the kitten inhabited a cold, steppe-like environment.

Homotherium latidens shared ancestors with modern big cats like lions and tigers but evolved along a separate evolutionary path millions of years ago. These saber-toothed cats were adapted to cold climates and likely preyed on large Ice Age mammals.

This image compares the forepaws of three-week-old cubs. The mummified Homotherium latidens specimen is represented by its thumb claw (A), second digit claw (B), and plantar view (C). A plantar view of a Panthera leo right forepaw (D) is provided for comparison. (Courtesy of Prof. Alexey V. Lopatin)

This discovery provides invaluable insights into the physical appearance of Homotherium latidens, including previously unknown details such as fur texture, muscle mass, and muzzle shape. Scientists plan to continue their research, as this interconnected study could lead to a deeper understanding of Ice Age ecosystems and their significance.