Full Story: Experts in Mexico are investigating the discovery of a mummified cave dog, that may provide insights into the the hunting traditions of ancient tribal groups.
The 1,000-year-old canine was shown to the media on Wednesday. The mummified dog was found in Candelaria Cave in a semi-arid region of northern Mexico in 1953. Archaeologist Yuri De La Rosa says conditions in the cave and in the area helped preserve the dog naturally.
(Yuri De La Rosa, Archaeologist): "This is the first mummified canine that has an archaeological context. In this case it's a natural mummification because of the desert and dry conditions. The skin dried to the bones and it was mummified naturally."
Experts believe that the dog was domesticated by a local tribe and used in hunting expeditions. The mummified animal was found alongside hundreds of human remains, as well as thousands of ancient artifacts including textiles, baskets, and bows and arrows.
(Yuri De La Rosa, Archaeologist): "This mummified canine is part of a wider collection of artifacts that were recovered in the 50's of last century as part of the archaeological materials of Candelaria Cave."
The ancient canine will be measured, x-rayed and carbon tested to determine the exact age and breed. Mummified dogs had previously been found only in Peru and Egypt.