North Dakota Unearths Rare T. rex and Mammoth Fossils

The North Dakota Geological Survey has made a remarkable discovery, unearthing a rare Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton at a dig site in southwestern North Dakota. The bones were initially found in September 2024 during a search for crocodile fossils in Bowman County. The announcement was made public on November 25, 2024, marking a significant moment for paleontological research in the region.

Due to the approaching end of the excavation season, researchers could not begin the excavation immediately. Since then, they have unearthed nine or ten bones, including vertebrae, a portion of the tail, a tooth, and an ankle. State Paleontologist Clint Boyd confirmed that this is only the third partial T. rex skeleton discovered in North Dakota, emphasizing the rarity of such finds.

“Any T. rex specimen that you find that’s got more than five or six bones is a significant discovery because the animal’s so rare,” Boyd remarked during a meeting of the North Dakota Industrial Commission.

Significant Findings in Mammoth Fossils

In addition to the T. rex discovery, the Geological Survey provided updates on two mammoth fossils being excavated. One specimen is located beneath a residential garage in northwest North Dakota, while the other was found at a coal mine near Beulah. Boyd indicated that the mammoth under the garage exhibits deep grooves in its vertebrae, suggesting severe malnutrition or bone disease towards the end of its life.

“It was probably very sick toward the end of its life,” Boyd explained, noting that such deformities in mammoth fossils are uncommon. Research has primarily documented similar conditions in mammoths found in Asia and Europe. He added that this finding will contribute significant insights into the health and ecology of these ancient creatures.

Researchers have also discovered bones of small mammals at the garage site, indicating a potentially rich ecological narrative surrounding this fossil find. “We may end up getting a whole ecology story out of this one site,” Boyd stated, highlighting the broader implications of these discoveries for understanding prehistoric life.

Columbian Mammoth Fossil Discovery

The other mammoth fossil came to light during Memorial Day weekend 2023, when coal miners uncovered a seven-foot tusk. After undergoing nearly a year of cleaning and preservation, the tusk is now part of a growing collection of mammoth remains identified by the Geological Survey. In addition to the tusk, researchers have documented other bones, including a hip, a shoulder blade, and several ribs.

Boyd noted that the tusk’s shape suggests the animal is likely a Columbian mammoth, rather than a woolly mammoth. He expressed optimism that these fossils will be displayed for public viewing in the future, allowing the community to engage with the rich paleontological heritage of North Dakota.

These discoveries not only enhance the scientific understanding of dinosaurs and ancient mammals but also establish North Dakota as a key location for fossil research. The ongoing work at these sites promises to yield further significant findings in the years to come.