Scientists have discovered remarkably preserved ancient DNA, including that of woolly mammoths, within the fossilized feces of Arctic ground squirrels. The findings, published in a new study, detail the recovery of genetic material from permafrost deposits in Canada. This unique source offers a new avenue for researching the genetic history of extinct and extant species. Researchers believe the squirrels’ habit of caching feces in frozen ground contributed to the exceptional preservation of the DNA over millennia. The recovered DNA provides insights into the past biodiversity of the region and could aid in understanding the evolutionary relationships of these animals. This discovery highlights the potential of permafrost as a repository of ancient genetic information.