An extinct animal known as the Siberian unicorn, thought to have vanished more than 350,000 years ago, might have died out much later – possibly co-existing with humans.
Scientists originally thought the long-horned rhinoceros, Elasmotherium sibiricum, had become extinct more than 350,000 years ago.
But research published in the American Journal of Applied Science describes a far more recent discovery of a well-preserved skull in Kazakhstan in Central Asia.
Researchers from the Tomsk State University suggested Elasmotherium sibiricum might have walked the Earth as recently as 29,000 years ago, at the same time as prehistoric humans.
The skull was found near the village of Kozhamzhar in the Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan, and was in good condition, with no signs of having been gnawed upon.
“Most likely, it was a very large male,” Tomsk State University paleontologist Andrey Shpanski said.
Siberian rhinos, which were probably vegetarians, have been described as being 2m tall and nearly 5m long, and weighing up to four tons.
15 Responses
pfttt.. yes unicorns
i love unicorns
That weird??!!
I’m a unicorn fan so that’s coll
cool a lot of people like unicorns and so do I.
so fabuluus!
what an amazing animal
Wow this is really cool.
Pfttttt unicorns. Who cares what might have lived on eart 29000 years ago. I wasnt even around then
ccccccccccccccccccccooooooooooooooooooooolllllllllllllllllllllllll
ok that’s cool and everything but.that..does.not.look.like.a.unicorn. why is it called a unicorn? unicorns are smooth and white and soft.
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on the other hand, it DOES have horn.
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thats weird
WOAH! cool
wow! that is soo cool
unicorns are supposed to be pink! or white or something graceful… or chocolate brown yum