A prehistoric wolf dating back to 44,000 years has undergone an autopsy. The mummified predator was found in 2021 about 40 metres below permafrost by the river Tirekhtyakh in East Russia. Scientists believe that this discovery will help us understand life during the ice age.

As reported by Live Science, this mummified adult wolf from the late Pleistocene epoch (between 2.6 million years and 11,700 years ago) is the first of its kind to have been discovered, according to the statement from the North-Eastern Federal University, where the ancient predator was examined.

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The cold and dry conditions in permafrost allow the animals to be mummified and preserved for centuries. The scientists took samples of the internal organs and gastrointestinal tract from the carcass of the age-old wolf to study its health and diet.

"His stomach has been preserved in an isolated form, there are no contaminants, so the task is not trivial," Albert Protopopov head of the department for the study of mammoth fauna of the Academy of Sciences of Yakutia, said in a statement according to Live Science. "We hope to obtain a snapshot of the biota of the ancient Pleistocene."

The wolf was identified as an adult male based on its tooth analysis and was an active and large predator. The team of researchers will be able to detect his diet, as well as the diets of animals it had consumed and remained in its stomach.

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A living bacteria&nbsp;can survive in fossils for thousands of years. The scientists believe examining the microorganisms that might be still living inside the wolf in a dormant and frozen state may benefit modern-day biotechnology and medicine.

This project will help discover the wildlife and other ancient species that existed during the Pleistocene. The team will also study another ancient wolf found in 2023 in the Nizhnekolymsk region of northeast Siberia.

(With inputs from agencies)

A prehistoric wolf dating back to 44,000 years has undergone an autopsy. The mummified predator was found in 2021 about 40 metres below permafrost by the river Tirekhtyakh in East Russia.

A prehistoric wolf dating back to 44,000 years has undergone an autopsy. The mummified predator was found in 2021 about 40 metres below permafrost by the river Tirekhtyakh in East Russia. Scientists believe that this discovery will help us understand life during the ice age. As reported by Live Science, this mummified adult wolf from the late Pleistocene epoch (between 2.6 million years and 11,700 years ago) is the first of its kind to have been discovered, according to the statement from the North-Eastern Federal University, where the ancient predator was examined. Also Read | Alarming Antarctic ice melt tipping point found, raises fears of sea level rise The cold and dry conditions in permafrost allow the animals to be mummified and preserved for centuries. The scientists took samples of the internal organs and gastrointestinal tract from the carcass of the age-old wolf to study its health and diet. "His stomach has been preserved in an isolated form, there are no contaminants, so the task is not trivial," Albert Protopopov head of the department for the study of mammoth fauna of the Academy of Sciences of Yakutia, said in a statement according to Live Science. "We hope to obtain a snapshot of the biota of the ancient Pleistocene." The wolf was identified as an adult male based on its tooth analysis and was an active and large predator. The team of researchers will be able to detect his diet, as well as the diets of animals it had consumed and remained in its stomach. Also Read | Painted lady butterflies defy the odds, first evidence shows it crossed an ocean A living bacteria can survive in fossils for thousands of years. The scientists believe examining the microorganisms that might be still living inside the wolf in a dormant and frozen state may benefit modern-day biotechnology and medicine. This project will help discover the wildlife and other ancient species that existed during the Pleistocene. The team will also study another ancient wolf found in 2023 in the Nizhnekolymsk region of northeast Siberia. (With inputs from agencies)

Ancient wolf autopsy may reveal secrets about the last ice age

Around 128 years ago, a petty thief died of kidney failure in a Pennsylvania, US jail. Now, more than a century later, residents of the small city of Reading will give his mummified remains a proper send-off and burial.&nbsp;

The unidentified man, to locals, is known as Stoneman Willie and has for long been a creepy part of the city's lore. For the past many years, the mummy has been on display, satiating the curious gazes of tourists, locals, both adults and children.

<h2>Stoneman Willie</h2>

The petty thief, as per Reuters, died on 19 November 1895, in a local jail. His remains were then accidentally mummified by a mortician who was experimenting with new embalming techniques.

Since his death in November 1985, his remains have been on display at Auman's Funeral Home.

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The thief's true identity remains unknown, as at the time of the arrest he had given authorities a fake name. Now, more than 100 years later, his true identity may finally be known to all.

<h2>Why was he embalmed?</h2>

As the thief's true identity was not known to the authorities, their search for a next of kin wasn't fruitful. While they searched for his family, the funeral home attempted an experimental embalming technique on him.&nbsp;

When the search failed, the funeral home petitioned the state for permission to keep the thief's body instead of burying it. The funeral home reportedly did this because they wanted to monitor the experimental embalming process.

<h2>True identity</h2>

More than 100 years after Stoneman Willie's death, the funeral home, using modern technology and a thorough search of historic documents, may have finally uncovered Stoneman Willie's true identity.

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On Saturday (Oct 7), Willie will make his final journey through the streets of Reading. He will be buried at a local cemetery, and at his graveside, the funeral home will reveal his real name.&nbsp;

The mummified thief will be buried with a tombstone engraved with his real name, reports Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Around 128 years ago, a petty thief died of kidney failure in a Pennsylvania, US jail. Now, more than a century later, residents of the small city of Reading will give his mummified remains a proper send-off and burial.

Around 128 years ago, a petty thief died of kidney failure in a Pennsylvania, US jail. Now, more than a century later, residents of the small city of Reading will give his mummified remains a proper send-off and burial. The unidentified man, to locals, is known as Stoneman Willie and has for long been a creepy part of the city's lore. For the past many years, the mummy has been on display, satiating the curious gazes of tourists, locals, both adults and children. Stoneman Willie The petty thief, as per Reuters, died on 19 November 1895, in a local jail. His remains were then accidentally mummified by a mortician who was experimenting with new embalming techniques. Since his death in November 1985, his remains have been on display at Auman's Funeral Home. Also read | US' divided Supreme Court starts new session with gun rights, Trump's prez dreams and more on docket The thief's true identity remains unknown, as at the time of the arrest he had given authorities a fake name. Now, more than 100 years later, his true identity may finally be known to all. Why was he embalmed? As the thief's true identity was not known to the authorities, their search for a next of kin wasn't fruitful. While they searched for his family, the funeral home attempted an experimental embalming technique on him. When the search failed, the funeral home petitioned the state for permission to keep the thief's body instead of burying it. The funeral home reportedly did this because they wanted to monitor the experimental embalming process. True identity More than 100 years after Stoneman Willie's death, the funeral home, using modern technology and a thorough search of historic documents, may have finally uncovered Stoneman Willie's true identity. Also read | ‘Bone Smashing’: Bizarre TikTok trend sees people hitting faces with hammers On Saturday (Oct 7), Willie will make his final journey through the streets of Reading. He will be buried at a local cemetery, and at his graveside, the funeral home will reveal his real name. The mummified thief will be buried with a tombstone engraved with his real name, reports Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pennsylvania mummy 'Stoneman Willie' to be laid to rest after 128 years on display

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