In 1980 the dog, affectionally known as Stuckie, was discovered inside a tree trunk in Georgia that was cut open by a group of loggers from the Kraft Corporation.

The mummified hunting dog was found lodged in a hollow part of the trunk near the top of the tree where it is believed he got stuck in 1960 after chasing a raccoon.

Lumberjacks Discover Mummified Dog Inside Tree Screen Shot 2018 02 06 at 21.07.42Southern Forest World

Starved to death, Stuckie’s body was mummified instead of naturally decomposing as the natural draft of air in the hollow truck carried his scent away from insects.

His body and the tree is now the main attraction at Southern Forest World, a museum of trees in Waycross, Georgia, after being donated by the loggers in 1981.

Stuckie’s name was given to him following a competition in 2002 and it really is suitable.

According to Roadside America, a sign next to Stuckie reads:

A chimney effect occurred in the hollow tree, resulting in an upward draft of air. This caused the scent of the dead animal to be carried away, which otherwise would have attracted insects and other organisms that feed on dead animals.

The hollow tree also provided relatively dry conditions, and the tannic acid of the oak helped harden the animal’s skin.

For decades tourists from around the world have visited the museum to see Stuckie who still draws in the crowds.

Lumberjacks Discover Mummified Dog Inside Tree Screen Shot 2018 02 06 at 21.07.29Southern Forest World

Brandy Stevenson, the manager of Southern Forest World, spoke about Stuckie saying:

People always ask me, ‘How did he get in there?’. And I always say, ‘Well, he was a hound dog. Maybe he was after a coon’.

And then they’ll say, ‘Poor old thing. I feel so sorry for him’.

His body remains in excellent condition thanks to the low-moisture level within the tree that means there is little decay.