A fossil hunter in Mississippi has made an extraordinary discovery, unearthing a tusk from an ice age Columbian mammoth.
The find, which took place in a creek in Madison County, marks the first complete mammoth tusk discovered in the region, offering new insights into the ice age mammals that once roamed North America.
Discovery of a Lifetime
Amateur fossil hunter Eddie Templeton was scouring a Mississippi creek when he encountered an unexpected treasure. Wading through nearly a metre of water, he stumbled upon a colossal tusk partially exposed from the mud bank. Conditions were far from ideal for fossil hunting, yet Templeton unearthed what turned out to be a completely intact Columbian mammoth tusk.
Templeton’s initial impression was that the tusk belonged to a mastodon, a creature he had discovered fossils of previously. However, the tusk’s distinct curvature led him to reconsider. After sharing his find with George Phillips, curator of paleontology at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, it was confirmed that the tusk belonged to a Columbian mammoth.
Rare Window into the Ice Age
Phillips explained that the tusk is likely between 11,700 and 75,000 years old, dating back to the Pleistocene Epoch. Prior to this discovery, only isolated teeth of Columbian mammoths had been found in Mississippi. This made Templeton’s find a first-of-its-kind for the region.
The Columbian mammoth, a distant relative of the woolly mammoth, roamed North America during the last ice age. These gigantic creatures could weigh over 10 tons and grow taller than 13 feet. Phillips highlighted that mammoth fossils are exceedingly rare in the area, making this discovery particularly remarkable.
Unveiling the Tusk
Field scientists covered the tusk with plaster to protect it during extraction. Templeton mentioned that tusks grow in rings, much like trees, which makes them prone to fragmentation once dried out.
The fossil, weighing 600 pounds with its plaster jacket, was transported to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. Although the tusk broke into two pieces during transit, it will be reassembled and preserved for future display. Phillips hopes to showcase the tusk at the museum’s annual Fossil Road Show in March.
Mammoth Versus Mastodon
Phillips noted the significant differences between mammoth and mastodon tusks. The curvature of the mammoth tusk almost forms a complete circle, unlike the straighter tusks of mastodons. Templeton initially thought the tusk belonged to a mastodon due to his previous finds, but the unique curve of the fossil was a telltale sign.
The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science houses numerous mammoth tooth fragments, but a complete, intact tusk like the one discovered by Templeton is exceptionally rare. Phillips expressed his astonishment upon seeing the curved tusk and realising its mammoth origin.
Preservation Efforts
The exposed parts of the fossil were immediately covered with plaster to prevent drying and fragmentation. Given the delicate nature of the tusk, it requires careful monitoring and treatment to ensure its preservation.
Experts at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science will treat the tusk with a cohesive material to keep it intact. The fossil will be closely examined during the drying process to avoid any further damage. Templeton and the scientists involved are eager to preserve this unique piece of history.
Public Fascination
Templeton remarked on the public’s curiosity about the past, particularly regarding ice age megafauna. He emphasized that this discovery provides a rare and exciting look into the prehistoric life that once roamed Mississippi.
Phillips aims to have the tusk ready for public display by the museum’s annual Fossil Road Show. This event will allow the public to view one of the most significant fossil discoveries in the state and learn more about the Columbian mammoth.
This discovery by Eddie Templeton not only adds a significant piece to the puzzle of North America’s prehistoric past but also sparks public interest in paleontology. The intact mammoth tusk is a testament to the rich history buried beneath Mississippi’s landscape.
As the tusk undergoes preservation, it stands as a remarkable symbol of the mysteries waiting to be uncovered. The upcoming display at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science will provide an invaluable opportunity for education and wonder. The discovery has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the scientific community and the public alike.
