11-Year-Old Thought He Found a Few Bones. He Had Actually Discovered an 85-Million-Year-Old Sea Predator

**Young Geology Enthusiast Uncovers Rare Dinosaur Fossil During Field Trip**

An 11-year-old boy from Kansas has made a remarkable discovery during a geology field trip, unearthing what is believed to be a 15-foot-long marine reptile dating back approximately 85 million years. Corbin Bullard, a student with a keen interest in geology, stumbled upon large vertebrae that turned out to be part of a tylosaurus, a creature that once patrolled the ancient seas.

Corbin was part of the Sedgwick County 4-H Geology Club when he made the significant find in September 2025. While exploring a local quarry known for its occasional fossil reveals, he noticed several unusual vertebrae embedded in the rock. “I didn’t know what it was, but I knew that it was something big,” he recalled. This instinctive recognition prompted a more thorough investigation of the area.

The club had previously uncovered items such as shark teeth and minor fossils, but this discovery felt markedly different. Following Corbin’s initial find, he and his fellow club members returned to the site on three occasions to continue excavating. Their persistence paid off as months of digging led to the unveiling of nearly the entire skeleton of a tylosaurus, complete with its skull.

Now at the age of 12, Corbin is preparing to enter seventh grade, and his enthusiasm for paleontology has only intensified since the discovery. He has long harboured a passion for rocks, fossils, and geology, but this experience has solidified his ambition to pursue a career as a paleontologist. “It’s really exciting to discover something so old and significant,” he expressed, highlighting the impact of his find on his future aspirations.

As a testament to his hard work and dedication, Corbin plans to showcase the skull of the fossil at the upcoming Sedgwick County Fair this summer. He hopes that judges will appreciate the effort he and his team put into excavating and preserving the ancient specimen. “I hope [the judges] say that it looks really nice and that we put a lot of effort into it,” he shared.

The discovery has also become a point of pride for the other members of the geology club and the volunteers who participated in the excavation process. Crista Burnett, the club leader, emphasised that while the finding of the tylosaurus was extraordinary, the benefits of participating in such programmes extend far beyond fossil hunting. Participants gain valuable skills in research, public speaking, and collaborative teamwork.

Corbin’s mother, Wendy Bullard, praised the vital roles played by the club and its leaders, as well as the landowners who permitted the excavation. “None of this would have happened without, first of all, 4-H, then the club, then the landowners and the leaders and permission to make it all happen,” she articulated, reflecting on the community support that facilitated her son’s extraordinary discovery.

The experience has proven to be transformative not just for Corbin, but also for those involved in the 4-H Geology Club. It serves as a reminder of the joy of discovery and the importance of communities encouraging young people to explore their interests in science and history. The remarkable fossil continues to inspire not just Corbin, but all members of the club as they embark on their scientific journeys.

With the anticipation of his upcoming display at the fair, Corbin Bullard stands as a testament to the wonders that can arise from curiosity and dedication to learning. His extraordinary find marks not only a significant contribution to the understanding of ancient marine life but also highlights the importance of educational programs that engage young minds in the sciences.