NDGS eyeing more woolly mammoth bones beneath garage in northwest North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. (KUMV) – Excavators had good luck finding more woolly mammoth bones in northwest North Dakota this fall.

Senior Paleontologist Clint Boyd said they conducted an extensive dig where they previously found mammoth teeth. The location was not specifically mentioned for the privacy of the landowners.

Boyd said he believes they will find more bones if they can dig through part of a garage that lies above the dig site. He said they are requesting funding from the legislature next year to be able to excavate and to refill the area after completion.

“So far, we’ve had very great relationships with the landowner. They are very excited. They set up a holding chair right next to the pit while we were working and watched us the whole time. I would think that would be very boring, but apparently it’s not. It’s been a really great collaboration and discovery so far,” said Boyd.

State Geologist Ed Murphy has been aware of the site since 1988, but construction of the garage prevented further investigation. It was only recently that he connected with a new landowner, who gave him permission to dig around.

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