Early Human-Canine Relationships in Ice Age Alaska

SOURCE studyfinds.org
Research reveals ancient wolves in Ice Age Alaska were eating salmon, indicating early human-canine relationships in the Americas. The study, published in Science Advances, shows that dogs were fed salmon by humans around 12,000 years ago, pushing back the timeline of such relationships by 2,000 years.

Key Points

  • Ancient wolves in Ice Age Alaska were found to be eating salmon, indicating early human-canine relationships
  • Dogs were fed salmon by humans around 12,000 years ago, showing a level of care and investment in these animals
  • The study reshapes understanding of early human-canine relationships, suggesting a complex process of dog domestication

Pros

  • Reveals new insights into the timeline of human-canine relationships in the Americas
  • Demonstrates collaborative research between scientists and Indigenous communities
  • Highlights the deep historical roots of the modern Arctic tradition of close human-dog partnerships

Cons

  • Limitations in DNA analysis for definitively identifying ancient remains as wolf or dog
  • Small sample size of specimens compared to the vast time period studied
  • Challenges in dating specimens that had consumed marine foods like salmon