Thursday, February 19, 2009

16 Large Mammal Fossils Found Near La Brea Tar Pits


During the construction of a new parking garage for a nearby mueseum, scientists discovered an ancient riverbed filled with fossils of many extinct mammals including a saber-toothed tiger, mammoth, American Lion, dire wolves, bison, horses, ground sloths and other mammals.

According to the Associated Press, 16 fossils were found. The scientist were not able to take their time sifting through this dig site because the construction project must continue. Scientist were required to lift the discoveries out by crane so that they can be properly excavated.

Since 1906, scientists have been excavating fossils from the nearby La Brea tar pits. The animal fossils are thought to be between 10,000 to 40,000 years old. This recent find dubed "Project 23" is thought to double the La Brea's Page Museum's current fossil count.

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