Mammoth remains found near American Falls Reservoir
The fossilized remains of a 70,000-year-old mammoth were discovered near American Falls Reservoir last week. They have been excavated and transferred to the Idaho Museum of Natural History in Pocatello, the Bureau of Reclamation announced Friday.
The fossils were found in an irrigation drainage, about 30 feet below the reservoir high-water mark. BOR Upper Snake Field Office Manager Roland Springer said increased flows in a small drainage due to unusually heavy rainfall in August caused erosion, which led to the exposure of the tusk and skull.
The BOR said the threat of rising water in the reservoir prompted it to act quickly to recover the remains.
“We’re very lucky to have recovered them,” said Springer. “Had they not been reported to Reclamation, the fossils may have been eroded and carried away into the reservoir.”
If you do find fossils around the reservoir, the bureau said it is illegal for you to take them. Rather, you should photograph them, note their GPS location if possible, and report your findings to the nearest Reclamation office or the IMNH.
“The scientific value of those specimens is so high that we really need to make sure that they get into the hands of researchers who can interpret these things and help us understand their significance,” said BOR Regional Archaeologist Dr. Sean Hess.
Museum researchers who examined growth rings on the tusk estimate the mammoth was 16 years old when it died.
“The exposed fossil will be cleaned and prepped for long-term storage or possibly exhibit, depending on its state of preservation,” said Dr. Mary Thompson, IMNH senior collection manager and lead contractor for the fossil recovery effort. “This find is exciting because there are still teeth in place in the jaw — so much can be learned from that.”
