Woolly Mammoth Hair Fossil

Woolly mammoth hair, often referred to as fur, was a key adaptation for survival in the frigid environments of the Pleistocene epoch. This dense, multi-layered coat consisted of three distinct types of hair: a long, coarse outer layer that provided protection against wind and snow; a shorter, insulating underlayer for warmth; and fine, wool-like strands that added an additional barrier to the cold.

The hair could grow up to three feet in length, with variations in color ranging from light blonde to reddish-brown and even black, depending on the individual and its environmental conditions.

Rich in keratin, the structure of mammoth hair was similar to that of modern elephants, though much thicker and more suited for cold climates. This remarkable coat worked in tandem with a layer of subcutaneous fat to ensure these Ice Age giants could endure temperatures as low as -50°C.

Mammoths lived during the last 5 million years and were closely related to today’s Asian and African Elephants. Some species coexisted with humans and lived until about 3,000 years ago. For context, the largest Egyptian pyramids were built about 4,500 years ago.

The woolly mammoth was the last species in the lineage of the Mammuthus genus. They lived during the last ice age and were well adapted to the cold climate with their thick fur coat.

Woolly mammoths were herbivores and primarily ate sedges. They likely died out when the climate warmed, causing a change in their food supply.

This sample was recovered from the Siberian permafrost—a region where the ground is frozen year-round.