Huge Ice Age Mammoth Bone Uncovered by Paleontologist in ‘Rare’ Discovery in Northwest Missouri

A significant discovery has emerged from northwest Missouri, where an independent paleontologist has unearthed a mammoth bone believed to be from the Ice Age. Jason Howery, a seasoned expert based near Kansas City, has dedicated two decades to the search for Ice Age remains and has previously uncovered a range of prehistoric fossils, including a large deer, a horse, and a bison.

Howery’s latest find, which he describes as the largest of his career, was made in Nodaway County, where he identified what appears to be the femur of a mammoth. In an interview, Howery recounted his excitement upon discovering the bone, stating, “When I first got there, it was the very first thing that I saw, and I looked down and there it was and I was like, ‘No way.’”

The discovery came as no surprise to Howery, who has honed his ability to recognise Ice Age remains over the years. He explained the distinctiveness of such fossils, saying, “There’s a specific texture to Ice Age bone that doesn’t feel like anything else in the world. When you feel it, it has this sticky, glassy texture to it.” The moment he touched the bone, he recognised it instantly.

In a video captured during the excavation, Howery is seen hoisting the enormous bone to his chest, demonstrating its impressive size, reportedly exceeding half of his height and resembling the thickness of an adult human thigh. Such a large specimen is a rare find and adds to the growing catalogue of significant archaeological discoveries in the region.

Nodaway County is known for its rich prehistoric heritage, with research indicating that Ice Age communities operated butcher sites in the area. Howery mentioned that this location is home to approximately 50 documented sites across North America, potentially linking to some of his earlier discoveries. This information enhances the existing body of knowledge about prehistoric human activity in the area.

In his commitment to preserving and documenting these types of finds, Howery leads The Paleo Outreach Program, which aims to promote awareness of Ice Age history and encourage young people to pursue careers in paleontology. To facilitate further scientific research on the mammoth bone, he has initiated a GoFundMe page. In the campaign description, he articulates the importance of thorough documentation and analysis, stating, “Discoveries of this scale are rare and present an important opportunity for scientific documentation, imaging, and preservation.”

Howery emphasises the significance of accurately recording data related to Ice Age ecosystems and early human activities, ensuring valuable insights are available for future exploration and understanding. He is determined to approach this latest discovery with the same care and foresight that has characterised his work throughout his career.

While the thrill of discovery is undoubtedly exhilarating, Howery has expressed that the true reward of his profession lies not solely in the finds themselves, but also in the exploration process. He finds tranquility within the unpredictability of searching for remains, reflecting, “So many possibilities and you never know what’s going to be there. You don’t always find things, but you find peace, you know?”

As Howery continues to share his findings and expertise through community outreach and educational initiatives, the uncovering of the mammoth bone stands as a tangible connection to a prehistoric world, sparking interest and curiosity within both the scientific community and the public. This recent discovery may provide essential insights into a time long past, bridging the gap between today and the vast expanse of Ice Age history. The excitement surrounding Howery’s work not only sheds light on our planet’s prehistoric past but also inspires a new generation of explorers and scientists eager to follow in his footsteps.