The recent discovery near Snowmass Village in North America has sent shockwaves through the archaeological community, marking a milestone in the annals of discovery.
Graduates Cody Newton from the University of Colorado at Boulder and Brendon Asher from the University of Kansas have embarked on an extraordinary excavation at Ziegler Reservoir, unearthing an immaculately preserved mammoth skeleton that promises to reshape our understanding of prehistoric life on the continent.
The focus of their attention is an 18-20 year old juvenile female mammoth. The careful excavation, revealing pelvis, ribs, leg bones, and magnificent tusks, has captured the imagination of archaeologists and paleontologists alike. However, this remarkable find is just the beginning of an astonishing array of fossils uncovered at the site.
Situated in a layer of peat submerged under 7-8 feet of water and 3-5 feet of clay, the Ziegler Reservoir excavation has yielded more than mammoths. Bison skeletons as large as SUVs and Mastodons the size of buses have been meticulously revealed.
What sets this site apart is the evidence of an extended span of time in which these animals perished and were preserved. This phenomenon has given rise to the term “killing field,” signifying a place where a diverse range of beast bones has been preserved over an exceptionally long period.
The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated. Snowmass is the first site in Colorado to yield both mammoth and mastodon fossils, providing unique insights into the fauna of the region during the last Ice Age.
The excavation site, initially discovered by bulldozer operator Jesse Steele, is proving to be a treasure trove of ancient wonders, offering researchers a rare glimpse into North America’s ancient ecosystems.
As the excavation at Ziegler Reservoir nears completion, scientists eagerly anticipate further analysis of the recovered fossils. The information gleaned from this remarkable find has the potential to reshape our understanding of the ancient past, shedding light on the complex interactions between prehistoric animals and their environment.
Cody Newton, Brendon Asher, and the entire team involved in this excavation have truly unearthed a treasure trove of knowledge, setting the stage for future archaeological breakthroughs in North America.
