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Rare discovery in Canada reveals ice age bison with tissues, fur and organs preserved for 30 years, offering new insights into the Pleistocene.
An ice age bison, estimated to be 30.000 years old, has been discovered in the Yukon Territory, Canada.
The discovery surprised scientists due to the rare integrity of the animal, which was found with soft tissues, fur and even internal organs practically intact.
The specimen, classified as bison priscus, offers new data on the Pleistocene period in North America.
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Almost intact animal
Unlike most prehistoric finds, which are usually in a fragmented state, the bison has retained its nearly complete structure.
Measuring around 2,13 meters in length and 1,83 meters tall at the shoulder, the animal still has reddish-brown fur preserved on parts of its body.
The horns, almost 90 centimeters long, are also in excellent condition.
In addition to the bones, what is most impressive are the soft tissues, which allow a detailed analysis of the bison's organs and internal system.
Preservation at such a high level is rare even in frozen environments.
Natural freezing preserved the animal
The bison's preservation condition is due to a unique combination of natural factors.
After his death, he was quickly covered by a landslide during the spring thaw.
Then a sudden drop in temperature caused the body to freeze completely.
The frozen permafrost soil, poor in oxygen and with temperatures below zero, prevented the action of decomposing bacteria.
Furthermore, the minerals present in the surrounding soil made any degradation process even more difficult. This resulted in a kind of “mummification” natural.
This process was essential to preserve not only the bones, but also the organs and tissues.
Thanks to this condition, scientists were able to extract very high-quality DNA from the animal.
Genetic and environmental advances
Genetic analysis revealed that the specimen belongs to the species bison priscus, the steppe bison, which is the direct ancestor of the modern American bison (Bison bison) and European bison (Bison bonasus).
The preservation of the tissues allowed researchers to assemble the most complete genetic profile ever made of an ice age bison.
Studies of the digestive contents indicated that their diet was based on grasses, reeds and other plants typical of spring.
Isotopic analysis of its teeth and fur suggests that the animal participated in seasonal migrations, traveling great distances in search of food.
Partnership with indigenous communities
The excavation was carried out in collaboration with Yukon Indigenous communities, who have lived in the region for generations.
These groups participated in all stages of the operation, sharing knowledge and helping scientists better understand the context of the discovery.
The partnership created a model of cooperation between science and tradition.
The work was done carefully, following strict protocols to ensure the specimen was removed safely and transported without damage.
Latest relevant information
The bison was taken in refrigerated containers to specialized laboratories, where it will continue to be studied.
The researchers expect the specimen to reveal more information about ancient ecosystems and the adaptation of animals to the Pleistocene climate.
