In this article from October of 2011, researchers discuss remains found in the Czech Republic (specifically at the Predmosti site) from an early early ancestor of dogs. Apparently, the beast was approximately the same shape as a modern husky except nearly twice as large! These remains also indicate that the domestication of dogs began much longer than the 15,000 years ago currently thought. Unfortunately the article is rather sparse on specific details (like how old the remains actually are), but it does contain some interesting tidbits (which is why I had to share it with you). Researchers found that the brain had been removed and–based on current –archaeological knowledge of the time–believe this was a ritualistic rather than a logical action. Better meat would have been available, so it is thought that the skulls were opened to help the animals’ souls release.
Sometimes culture can be just as fascinating as canines!!
On the other side of the world in southern Nevada the first dire wolf fossil was discovered late last year, leading to this article published December of 2012. Dire wolves were believed to have populated most of North America south of Canada during the Ice Age, but their fossil remains were oddly absent in the area around the Tule Springs Fossil Beds. Apparently researchers also only recently found fossils of a saber-tooth cat which had also been oddly absent from the southern Nevadan fossil record.
Things are hopping in that fossil bed!!! If you’re interested in archaeology, it looks like the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is a good place to be right now!
I find I must admit that I am absolutely fascinated with dire wolves and the megafauna that existed alongside them. If you have any articles or research to share on the subject, I would love to hear it!
WC
Wolfgang Canidaeus 