A routine deer hunting trip in West Texas took an unexpected turn when a hunter stumbled upon something far older than his intended prize—a fossilized mammoth tusk. The discovery, made on the 272,000-acre O2 Ranch near Big Bend National Park, has sparked excitement among archaeologists, offering a rare glimpse into Texas’ prehistoric past.
A Skeptical Start Turns Into a Major Find
When the hunter first reported his discovery to ranch manager Will Juett, skepticism was the initial response.
“I figured it was likely just an old stump,” Juett admitted in a statement from Sul Ross State University. “But I imagined how great it would be if he was right.”
As it turns out, the discovery was more than just great—it was extraordinary. Juett quickly reached out to Bryon Schroeder and Erika Blecha, archaeologists from the Center for Big Bend Studies at Sul Ross, who then consulted a University of Kansas graduate student specializing in mammoth research. Soon, a team of five experts traveled to the ranch to examine the unusual find.
Confirming the Tusk’s Identity
Upon arriving at the site, archaeologists determined that the tusk was an isolated fossil, separated from the rest of the skeleton. It was found in the drainage area of a creek bed, where erosion likely exposed it over time.
“We realized pretty quickly there was not more to the skeleton, just an isolated tusk,” said Schroeder, director of the Center for Big Bend Studies.
Over the course of two days, the team carefully plaster-jacketed the tusk, using strips of plaster and burlap to protect it during transport. They then built a custom frame to safely move it to Sul Ross State University, where further research—including carbon dating—will help pinpoint its age. Results are expected within the next few months, narrowing down its timeline by approximately 500 years.
Texas: A Mammoth Hot Spot
While mammoth discoveries are always exciting, Texas has a rich history of such finds. One of the most famous sites is Waco Mammoth National Monument, a five-acre protected area where researchers unearthed the only known evidence of a Columbian mammoth nursery herd. Experts believe the herd perished in a sudden flash flood, preserving their remains for thousands of years.
The Columbian mammoth, the species most likely associated with this West Texas tusk, was one of the largest mammoths to roam North America. Standing up to 13 feet tall at the shoulder and weighing up to 20,000 pounds, it was significantly larger than its woolly mammoth cousin. While the woolly mammoth was adapted to colder climates, the Columbian mammoth thrived in the warmer regions of what is now Texas, making it a dominant species across the southern half of North America.
Mammoth Life and Legacy
Columbian mammoths were herbivores, using their massive tusks to dig up roots, strip bark from trees, and defend themselves. Males, in particular, relied on their tusks as weapons during fights for mates. The species is believed to have died out between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago, likely due to a combination of climate change and human hunting at the end of the last Ice Age.
For Juett, the discovery has been a humbling reminder of the deep history beneath the land he manages.
“Seeing that mammoth tusk just brings the ancient world to life,” he said. “Now, I can’t help but imagine that huge animal wandering around the hills on the O2 Ranch. My next thought is always about the people who faced those massive tusks with only a stone tool in their hand.”
With ongoing research, this unexpected discovery may soon provide new insights into the prehistoric landscapes and creatures that once roamed Texas, bringing us closer to understanding the giants of the past.
