Archaeologists Unearth 13,600-Year-Old Mastodon Skull in Iowa, Offering a Glimpse Into the Distant Past

Archeologists in Iowa have made a remarkable discovery: a mastodon skull, estimated to be 13,600 years old. The find dates back to the time when the first humans roamed and hunted in the area, providing a fascinating glimpse into the ancient past.

Ancient Mastodon Skull Discovered

• Archaeologists have unearthed what is believed to be Iowa's first well-preserved mastodon, according to the University of Iowa's Office of the State Archaeologist.
• The site, in southern Iowa, yielded several mastodon bones, primarily belonging to a skull.
• Radiocarbon dating estimates the skull to be around 13,600 years old, dating back to when humans first inhabited the region.
• A resident of Wayne County discovered a mastodon femur bone in 2022, leading archaeologists to investigate further and uncover a broken tusk, likely still attached to the skull.
• Subsequent excavations revealed more bones, all believed to be from the same animal.

Searching for Evidence of Human Interaction

• During the 12-day excavation, archaeologists also found human-made artifacts, such as stone tools, dated to a few thousand years after the mastodon's death.
• Scientists are excited by the prospect of finding evidence of human interaction with the mastodon, including potential cut marks on the bones and artifacts used for hunting and butchering.
• The documentation of bone orientation and location will also provide valuable insights into how the creature ended up in the creek bed.

A String of Prehistoric Discoveries

• This discovery adds to a series of recent prehistoric finds across the US, including a mammoth tusk in Mississippi and a 4-foot mastodon tusk off the coast of Florida.
• In North Dakota, coal miners unearthed a significant number of mammoth bones, leading to a substantial recovery of a near-complete skeleton.

Where to See the Mastodon Bones

• The newly discovered mastodon bones will be exhibited at the Prairie Trails Museum in Corydon after analysis and conservation by the University of Iowa.