In a groundbreaking discovery archaeologists from the University of Iowa, together with local enthusiasts, have unearthed the well-preserved fossilized remains of a 13,600-year-old mastodon from a creek bed in Iowa. The excavation, which spanned 12 days, marks the first time a well-preserved mastodon skull has been found in the state.
The remains were initially reported by a local resident in 2022, who discovered an oversized leg bone on private property. This led to an extensive excavation that revealed several skull bones and a juvenile mastodon tooth, suggesting the possibility of more remains in the vicinity.
The fossil belongs to a mastodon (Mammut sp.), a distant relative of modern elephants that once roamed North America during the last Ice Age. These creatures, which could weigh up to 6 tons, were forest dwellers with teeth adapted for grinding tougher trees and shrubs.
In addition to the mastodon bones, the excavation team also uncovered stone tools dated to within a few thousand years of the mastodon’s death. This finding raises the possibility of ancient human interaction with the animal. State archaeologist John Doershuk expressed hope that further analysis could reveal evidence of this interaction, including potential cut marks on the bones that might indicate butchering.
The discovery is particularly significant as it adds to the understanding of the relationship between early humans and megafauna like the mastodon, which went extinct around 10,500 years ago. The exact cause of their extinction remains a topic of debate among scientists, with factors such as human hunting, climate change, and even a tuberculosis pandemic being considered.
The excavation team found 20 different parts of what they suspect are remains of the same animal, including fragments of ribs, spine, another leg bone, and a knee cap. Analysis of the mastodon’s tusk is expected to provide additional biological details, such as its age, sex, and diet.
Once the analysis is complete, the fossils will be displayed at the Prairie Trails Museum, offering the public a unique glimpse into the life and environment of these ancient, mighty tusked beasts. The discovery not only enriches the scientific community’s understanding of prehistoric life but also provides a tangible connection to a time when humans and megafauna coexisted on the North American continent.
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