Odd Fur Ball Spotted by Gold Miner Is Actually a 30,000-year-old Mummified Squirrel

Gold miners were able to uncover an odd fur ball that actually turned out to be a mummified squirrel from around 30,000 years ago.

Odd Fur Ball Is a Mummified Squirrel

According to Business Insider, the odd fur ball has the size of a grapefruit. It was unearthed by gold miners at Hester Creek in Canada in 2018. But to prepare for its display debut at the Yukon Beringia Interpretive Center (YBIC), scientists reevaluated the findings.

Live Science notes that the odd fur ball is thought to be an Arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus parryi) that is all curled up. Such a species still exists today and has an appearance that resembles gophers more than several other squirrels. This squirrel also dwells in the area where the odd fur ball was found.

The squirrel has since been dubbed "Hester," which is based on the area where it was spotted.

Grant Zazula, a paleontologist from the Yukon government who directed the odd fur ball's analysis, mentioned to CBS News that the squirrel was not immediately recognizable. It could also be recognized when its claws and small hands can be seen. The creature's ears and little tail also become clear. Zazula adds that they were extremely excited after realizing that the specimen was a squirrel that was "perfectly preserved."

According to CBC News, the squirrel may have died as it hibernated. Due to fears that the odd fur ball may get damaged, the researchers did not unravel the curled-up species. Hence, they used X-rays to know better about the preservation of its insides.

Dr. Jess Heath, a local veterinarian who handled the X-ray, predicted that the creature's bones should have deteriorated due to calcium leaks over time. However, X-rays revealed that the skeleton of the creature was in superior condition. CBC News also adds that, in fact, the creature's appearance was nearly identical to Arctic ground squirrels that are alive today.

Arctic Ground Squirrels

According to Smithsonian Magazine, Arctic ground squirrels survived through the Ice Age. They still live in Alaska and the Yukon today. Because of this, scientists are quite intrigued by these species. Scientists wonder if these creatures would survive pressing climate changes in the future as well.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game notes that these creatures are the biggest ones among the North American squirrel group, with males being bigger than their female counterparts.

These creatures have rounded ears and heads. Moreover, in comparison to other squirrels, they also have relatively shorter tails.

Mummified Squirrel To Be Displayed at Museum

Representatives of the YBIC note that it's quite amazing how the small creature ran around thousands and thousands of years ago. The odd fur ball is set to be showcased at the museum.

The Smithsonian Magazine notes that the mummified squirrel will be displayed alongside other exhibit additions, including a black-footed ferret that was spotted in the same area.

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