A fossil hunter in Mississippi recently uncovered a remarkable find: an intact mammoth tusk measuring 7 feet in length.
Initially thought to belong to a mastodon—a more commonly found proboscidean in the region—Eddie Templeton was thrilled to find a complete tusk rather than fragmented pieces.
However, the true significance of the discovery became clear only after scientists from the Mississippi Museum of Natural History examined the tusk. It was identified as the ivory of a Colombian mammoth, the largest mammoth species in North America, and notably rare in this southern location.
Templeton, who has previously discovered mastodon teeth, jaws, saber-toothed cat fangs, and other Ice Age artifacts, considered this find to be among the most extraordinary of his career. The size, impressive curl, and rarity of the tusk make it not only a remarkable personal achievement but also a historic find for Mississippi, being the first intact tusk of this species ever found in the state.
According to the Mississippi Museum of Natural History, “During the last ice age, Mississippi was home to three types of Proboscideans: Mastodons, Gomphotheres, and Colombian mammoths. All three had ivory tusks. Mastodons are the most commonly found Proboscideans in Mississippi due to their browsing habits in diverse environments. In contrast, Colombian mammoths, which were grazers of open grasslands, are much rarer in Mississippi as they preferred specific prairie regions.”
The Colombian mammoth, which could reach 10 feet in height and weigh up to 15 tons, was eventually outlived by the smaller woolly mammoth by about 6,000 years.
The tusk was carefully transported to the Museum of Natural History following a meticulous process: it was covered in tin foil, coated with plaster, and wrapped in burlap to protect it during removal. After the plaster jacket dried, the fossil, encased in its protective covering, was lifted onto a makeshift gurney crafted from an ATV ramp. The entire specimen, including the jacket, weighed approximately 600 pounds.
After being buried in mud for over 10,000 years, the tusk is well-preserved, but it is vulnerable to rapid deterioration upon exposure to oxygen. To prevent damage, it will be coated with a protective glaze similar to the laminate used on safety glass. The tusk is expected to be displayed in spring 2025.