Iowa’s Prehistoric Jackpot: 13,600-Year-Old Mastodon Skull Unearthed in Stunning Creek Find!
Unbelievable discovery in Iowa! A perfectly preserved 13,600-year-old mastodon skull with a massive tusk has been found near Des Moines. 🌐 #News #WayneCountyIA #Iowa #Archaeology
WAYNE COUNTY, IA – Archaeologists have made a significant find in an Iowa creek this month: the first-ever mastodon skull discovered in the state. The excavation, which lasted 12 days, uncovered the well-preserved skull, complete with a sizable portion of its curved tusk.
Find of a Lifetime
The mastodon, a prehistoric relative of today’s elephants, lived during the Paleoindian period and had been buried for approximately 13,600 years.
The fossil’s excellent condition has been described as a major find due to the preserved tusk, often referred to as a “goldmine” in archaeological terms.
Scientific Insights
The mastodon’s extinction occurred around 10,500 years ago, likely due to climate change and hunting pressures.
This discovery offers researchers a chance to study the species more closely and potentially answer questions about the role of early humans in the mastodon’s extinction. Although no stone tools were found at the site, further analysis will determine if any cut marks from human activity are present on the bones.
Next Steps for the Fossil
The mastodon remains will undergo detailed analysis before being displayed at the Prairie Trails Museum.
This site, located in Wayne County, Iowa, is situated about 80 miles south of Des Moines. The excavation site was initially reported to the state Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) in 2022.
Cultural and Historical Context
The age of the fossil coincides with the period when Native Americans were migrating into south-central Iowa. The region, which was ice-free at the time, would have been an inviting environment for mastodons and early human hunters alike.
The discovery of this mastodon skull provides valuable insights into the prehistoric landscape and the interactions between early humans and megafauna.
Photo Gallery
Photos courtesy: Iowa Archaeology on Facebook. Visit them here.
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