‘Full skeleton was illegally dug from ground in Siberia before being sent to UK and auctioned for £115,000’.

Skeleton of almost complete beast discovered on banks of Lena River close to Yakutsk.

Separately, 18 frozen bear paws hidden in coal cargo train nabbed by customs.

Scientists remain confident of one day bringing back the beast to roam again in Siberia.

Remains of extinct 'Steppe Mammoth' could bring new leap in understanding of 200,000 year old creatures.

Cargo with 650 fragments from the extinct beasts was held in Vladivostok after illegal export from Yakutia.

Samples taken from extinct animal’s leg during international workshop in the hope of one day bringing the hairy creature back from the dead.

Thousands of years ago woolly mammoths came here to die: but why?  The macabre ancient remains haunt local residents to this day.