The first mastodon skull ever recovered for scientific purposes was found by University of Iowa archaeologists, marking a significant breakthrough in their field. The unexpected discovery has led to conjecture regarding possible human involvement in the animal’s death.
The descendants of mastodons used to roam large areas of North America, including Iowa, but today they are limited to parts of Asia and Africa. Well-preserved specimens have been scarce in the state, despite the fact that their remains are widely distributed. But this story was turned on its head two years ago by a coincidental finding in a remote part of Wayne County.
An unusually large bone that was partially buried in a creekbed was discovered in 2022 by a local resident. State archaeologists examined it and found that it was a mastodon femur. An important discovery was made when more excavation turned up a broken tusk attached to the mastodon’s skull.
The University of Iowa Office reports that the State Archeologist (OSA) went back to the location in 2024 to recover the remains after obtaining funds through grants and donations. Researchers found multiple mastodon bones over the course of a 12-day period, which most likely belonged to a single person. According to radiocarbon dating, the creature lived in ancient Wayne County some 13,600 years ago, which is consistent with the arrival of early humans in the area.
The OSA’s director and state archeologist, Dr. John Doershuk, expressed optimism about discovering artifacts—like projectile points or hunting and butchering knives—that would attest to human interaction with the mastodon. The group is analyzing the bones carefully to look for any possible cuts.
“We’re really hoping to find evidence of human interaction with this creature, perhaps the projectile points and knives that were used to kill the animal and do initial butchering,” Doershuk mentioned.
Although stone tools and other human-made artifacts were found by the OSA, they belonged to a different era. However, they offer the first proof of human habitation in the creek drainage. Archaeologists hope to learn more about the life and final resting place of the mastodon in Iowa by examining the orientations and locations of its bones.
After undergoing conservation work at the University of Iowa’s Paleontology Repository, the mastodon remains will be on display at the Prairie Trails Museum in Corydon, Iowa, where guests can marvel at this prehistoric artifact.
