We keep hearing about the strange side effects of global warming. Certain species—from poison ivy to cats—seem to be thriving in the warmer weather.
The latest species to enjoy the short-term benefits of climate change? Bone collectors.
As the Arctic thaws, all kinds of prehistoric bones are becoming more accessible, and museums and private collectors are paying hefty sums to the people who know where to find them.
Luckily, at least one of the bone hunters has a sense of perspective:
Davydov acknowledges that rising temperatures in Siberia have been a boon for bone collectors. “As the permafrost thaws, we obtain yet more objects for study,” he says.
But then he reflects: “From the point of view of humanity, it would have been better if this had never happened.”
