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This is the face of an extinct cave lion that roamed the snowy wastes of Siberia more than 10,000 years ago.

The cub is one of two found this summer preserved in near-perfect condition in the permafrost of Russia's largest and coldest region.

Scientists in the Academy of Sciences of the Sakha Republic, also known as Yakutia, revealed the image today ahead of a major presentation of the remains - seen as a groundbreaking discovery - next month, when initial research findings will also be released.

(Image: Academy of Sciences of Yakutia/The Siberia Times)

Right now, it is unclear if they have obtained high quality genetic material but, if so, it might lead to attempts - as with the woolly mammoth - to bring the cave lion back to life.

The cave lion roamed the ancient world from the British Isles to northern Europe and Russia.

It was also found in Alaska and northern Canada, before becoming extinct around 10,000 years ago.

But the "sensational" remains of the snow-loving big cat preserved in the Siberian ice are said to be far superior to previous discoveries.

(Image: RGO/The Siberia Times)

And until now the cave lion's face - as it looked in prehistoric times - had never before been seen.

The Siberian Times reported that the cave lions are the best preserved ever unearthed - and could be much older than they think.

Cave lions lived at the same times as the giant woolly mammoth and rhinoceros, which were also wiped off the planet.

(Image: Academy of Sciences of Yakutia/The Siberia Times)

The cave lion is seen as a close relative of the modern Afro-Asiatic lion.

These new cubs will be unveiled at a presentation to scientists and the international media in Yakutsk which will also include remains of 39,000 year old woolly mammoth Yuka, also found in the same region.

Other extinct animal remains will also be shown.