Incredible CT tech resurrects 2,000-year-old animal mummies

Using micro CT scans, researchers created high-resolution images of three mummified animals: a snake, a bird, and a cat.

The samples date back more than 2,000 years.

With CT technology, researchers have a less intrusive way to digitally "unwrap" mummified specimens.

Researchers estimate up to 70 million animal mummies were created.

Today, CT scans give researchers new insight. Tap to see what they learned.

The coiled snake, an Egyptian cobra, was a juvenile and had some kidney damage.

Bone fractures suggest the snake was killed by a whipping action, and that its mouth may have been opened during mummification.

The bird specimen most closely resembles the Eurasian kestrel, researchers say.

Read more here about what mummified animals — like dogs and wolves — can teach science about natural history