Research
Construction crews in California accidentally unearthed the bones of a large mammal that lived 40 to 45 million years ago
Earth.com · By Rodielon Putol ·
The Brief
- Construction crews in Oceanside, California, unearthed fossil bones of a large mammal during a city infrastructure project.
- Principal paleontologist Joseph El Adli of Helix Environmental Planning spotted the bones about 12 feet (3.7 meters) below the surface.
- The mammal lived 40 to 45 million years ago.
Why it matters
Fossils found during routine construction can add to the record of ancient mammals in the region, and they show why paleontologists are often involved in excavation work.
- #paleontology
- #fossils
- #mammals
- #construction
- #oceanside
During routine excavation for a city infrastructure project in Oceanside, California, Joseph El Adli, a principal paleontologist with Helix Environmental Planning , spotted fossil bones about 12 feet (3.7 meters) below the surface. He recognized their importance and secured the…