U of A researcher’s astounding discovery about human-canine companionship

An exciting University of Arizona-led study found that people may have formed close relationships with dogs in the Americas 12,000 years ago.

The ancient bond between humans and dogs has long fascinated scientists, and now, groundbreaking research from Alaska reveals that this relationship in the Americas dates back further than previously known. Archaeological discoveries at two sites have uncovered compelling evidence of human-canine interactions from as early as 12,000 years ago, pushing back the timeline of this unique partnership by two millennia.

Early evidence of human-canine bonds in Alaska

A research team led by François Lanoë from the University of Arizona’s School of Anthropology made a significant discovery at the Swan Point archaeological site, located approximately 70 miles southeast of Fairbanks. According to a University of Arizona news article, they unearthed a canine tibia dated to about 12,000 years ago, representing the oldest evidence of close human-canine relationships in the Americas.

A second important find was made in June 2023 at the Hollembaek Hill site near Delta Junction: an 8,100-year-old canine jawbone that further supports the evidence of early domestication patterns.

Dietary evidence reveals human influence

The key to understanding these ancient relationships lies in what these animals ate. Chemical analysis of both bone specimens revealed significant amounts of salmon protein in their diet, which was unusual for wild canines of that era who primarily hunted land animals.

“This is the smoking gun because they’re not really going after salmon in the wild,” explained study co-author Ben Potter from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Complex questions of domestication

While the findings are groundbreaking, researchers remain cautious about definitively labeling these specimens as domesticated dogs. “Behaviorally, they seem to be like dogs, as they ate salmon provided by people,” Lanoë noted, “but genetically, they’re not related to anything we know.” The specimens could represent tamed wolves rather than fully domesticated dogs.

Indigenous perspectives and partnerships

The research represents a collaborative effort with the Tanana Valley’s indigenous communities, particularly the Mendas Cha’ag people. Evelynn Combs, a Healy Lake member and archaeologist, offers a unique cultural perspective on these findings.

“I really love that we can look at the record and see that thousands of years ago, we still had our companions,” Combs said, reflecting on how this ancient bond continues in her community today, where nearly every resident maintains a close relationship with a dog.

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This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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