Melting Siberian Permafrost Reveals Perfectly Preserved Ancient Baby Horse

Researchers have revealed the discovery of a perfectly preserved baby horse dated between 30,000 and 40,000-years-old. The ancient foal was found in melting Siberian permafrost; researchers estimate it was only around two-months-old at the time of its death, the cause of which is unclear. This is the youngest prehistoric horse ever discovered.

The remains were found in Siberia's Batagaika crater, also known as the Doorway to the Underworld, by residents. Researchers from Russia and Japan were brought in to excavate the remains, which have been identified as a foal dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period.

According to The Siberian Times, the foal measures 38-inches at the shoulders and is well preserved, featuring intact internal organs, visible hair, its hooves, tail, and mane. Researchers identified the baby horse as Equus lenensis, also known as the Lena horse, a species that differs from the horses now roaming that region.

Experts aren't sure how the baby horse died, indicating that it may have been due to drowning, though a full autopsy will eventually shed light on the matter. According to a local report, the mummified remains showed no obvious signs of injuries or wounds.

The excellent preservation within Siberia's permafrost have provided researchers with a unique opportunity to learn about the prehistoric horse. Among other things, examining the horse's stomach contents may shed light on what the foal ate; samples were also taken from the soil where the remains were discovered.

SOURCE: The Siberian Times