Frozen Siberian Mammoth Yuka 'Butchered By Lions Then Seized By Ancient Humans'
Wounds sustained by a juvenile woolly mammoth suggest the beast was sieged by hunting lions AND ancient human beings, scientists say. The discovery of the well-preserved mammal, know as Yuka, could reveal evidence of a run-in with prehistoric humans, as well as the typical predators she would have faced on a daily basis. The carcass of Yuka, who was found by Siberian tusk hunters, is in extremely good condition and much of her pink flesh and strawberry blonde hair remains.
Daniel Fisher, professor of earth and environmental sciences at the University of Michigan, told Discovery News: "This is the first relatively complete mammoth carcass - that is, a body with soft tissues preserved - to show evidence of human association." Speaking to the BBC, he added: “Already there is dramatic evidence of a life-and-death struggle between Yuka and some top predator, probably a lion.”The remains are currently being carbon dated, but so far it is estimated Yuka lived more than 10,000 years ago. It is believed she was two-and-a-half years old when she was killed. (Photo: Valery Plotnikov)
Discovery News: Young Mammoth Likely Butchered by Humans
BBC: Woolly mammoth carcass may have been cut into by humans - Video