Volunteers from the Samara National Archaeological Society found the remains of a woolly rhinoceros, an ancient animal from the Mammoth era.
This discovery was made during excavations in the Bozoluksky Bor Nature Reserve in Russia's Orenburg region. Members of the Samara Society unearthed part of the animal's skull along with its lower teeth.
According to researchers, a local resident named Sergei Ivanovich discovered large bones protruding directly from the sand on a steep riverbank in the area last spring. Later, teeth from the lower jaw of a woolly rhinoceros and several bone fragments were found at the same location. Researchers believe these remains belong to this extinct species of animal.
In collaboration with national park staff and local residents, paleontologists began the gradual cleaning of the finds. The animal's skeleton was found to be poorly preserved, likely due to the river having washed away the bones. However, a significant portion of the extinct animal's skull survived to this day in relatively good condition.
The remains are now expected to be organized, reinforced, and restored. Afterward, this exhibit will be placed in one of the museums within the Bozołożskie Bor National Park.
The woolly rhinoceros is an extinct mammal that once roamed the vast open spaces stretching from Europe to Asia. It became extinct approximately 14,000 years ago. Climate change and the resulting shifts in vegetation cover, along with hunting by early humans, are considered the primary causes of its extinction.
