A groundbreaking discovery has emerged from the icy depths of Siberia: the remarkably preserved mummy of a newborn saber-toothed cat, dating back at least 35,000 years. Unearthed from the permafrost, this tiny kitten, remarkably intact with its whiskers and claws still attached, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the life of this extinct predator.
The exceptional preservation of the kitten’s head and upper body, along with pelvic bones, a femur, and shin bones, allowed researchers to conduct a detailed analysis. Published in *Scientific Reports*, the study reveals the kitten was just three weeks old at the time of its death in what is now Russia’s northeastern Sakha Republic, also known as Yakutia. The exact circumstances surrounding its demise remain a mystery.
The discovery is of immense scientific significance. Well-preserved remains of saber-toothed cats are exceedingly rare, making this find particularly valuable. The kitten belongs to the species *Homotherium latidens*, a species that roamed the globe during the Pliocene and early Pleistocene epochs. While evidence suggests *Homotherium* became less widespread towards the end of the Pleistocene, this discovery dramatically expands our understanding of its geographical range and lifespan. The study highlights that the latest confirmed presence of *Homotherium* in Eurasia was previously recorded in the Middle Pleistocene, but this mummy significantly extends that timeline into the Late Pleistocene.
The tiny mummy offers compelling evidence of *H. latidens*’ adaptation to ice age conditions. A comparison with a modern three-week-old lion cub revealed key differences. The saber-toothed kitten possessed wider paws lacking the carpal pads found in modern felines—a crucial adaptation for navigating snowy terrains. Its thick, soft fur provided crucial insulation against the frigid polar temperatures. Further comparisons showed *H. latidens* possessed a larger mouth, smaller ears, longer forelimbs, darker hair, and a significantly thicker neck than its modern lion counterpart. While skeletal studies of adult *Homotherium* previously revealed short bodies and elongated limbs, this mummy confirms these features were already present in the neonatal stage.
Radiocarbon dating of the kitten’s fur confirmed its age, placing it in the permafrost for at least 35,000 years, possibly even 37,000. Recovered from the banks of Yakutia’s Badyarikha River in 2020, the mummy provides the first detailed description of *H. latidens*’ physical characteristics, including fur texture, muzzle shape, and muscle mass distribution. Remarkably, even the sharp claws and vibrissae (whiskers) remain intact, although eyelashes were not preserved. This incredible find, providing a wealth of new information about this enigmatic species, is merely the beginning. Further research is underway, promising even more revelations from this captivating Pleistocene relic. The researchers intend to publish a follow-up paper delving deeper into the mummy’s anatomical features.
