Researchers have uncovered a wealth of ancient environmental DNA from ground squirrel droppings preserved in the Yukon’s permafrost, dating back between 30,000 and 700,000 years. This study, published in *Nature Communications*, involved scientists from McMaster University, the Hakai Institute, and the University of Alberta, who extracted DNA from coprolites, revealing genetic information from more than 200 species, including woolly mammoths and steppe bison. Notably, the research identified a previously unknown lineage of Arctic ground squirrels that diverged around 700,000 years ago. This finding challenges prior assumptions that fossil remains belonged to contemporary species. The study highlights the importance of these droppings in understanding evolutionary and ecological changes in response to climate shifts. Tyler Murchie from the Hakai Institute noted that these droppings serve as exceptional records of ancient environments, preserving DNA more effectively than bones, and may provide insights into how current species might adapt to climate change. The research opens avenues for future studies on ancient ecosystems and species evolution.