The scene near Starkville, Mississippi, was calm, yet something surprising was hidden below the surface. A small team of researchers was exploring local creek beds and stumbled upon a giant vertebra so large it broke their expectations.

They eventually identified it as the vertebra of a creature from millions of years ago. The bone came from a mosasaur, a powerful marine reptile that roamed the planet during the late Cretaceous period.

James Starnes, from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality’s Office of Geology, played a key role in determining the fossil’s identity.

Discovery of giant vertebra

Researchers spotted the muddy outline of the fossil during routine mapping of ancient rock layers. They retrieved the object and quickly realized it belonged to a massive predator that had once dominated the waters covering much of what is now Mississippi.

“This is a true, true sea monster,” exclaimed Starnes. The discovery measured more than seven inches (18 centimeters) across, leading team members to conclude that it was one of the largest mosasaur vertebrae ever found in the state.

Predator with staggering proportions

These creatures were known to be apex predators that thrived in warm, shallow seas. They could reach lengths of more than 30 feet (9 meters) and sometimes exceeded weights that were rarely seen in land-based dinosaurs.

Their jaws were lined with rows of sharp, curved teeth suited for grasping prey. “The maximum (weight) is about 20,000 pounds (9,000 kilograms) that this animal could have gotten. This is bigger than most dinosaurs walking around on land,” exclaimed Starnes.

State museum studies giant vertebra

Team members passed the vertebra to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science for further study. George Phillips, the museum’s paleontology curator, examined its shape and size to confirm it belonged to the species Mosasaurus hoffmannii.

“It’s the largest one from the back, or the neck for that matter, that I’ve seen,” said Phillips. Experts compared it with other specimens, noting that this single vertebra hinted at a creature that was easily 30 feet (9 meters) in length.

Why the giant vertebra fossil matters

Mosasaurs prowled the ancient seas, sharing the waters with fish, sharks, and even relatives of modern octopus-like animals called ammonites. With powerful tails and paddles for limbs, they moved rapidly in pursuit of prey.

Finds such as the giant vertebra captivate the public because they offer a look at life just before an asteroid impact contributed to the extinction of these reptiles, around 66 million years ago.

With each discovery, paleontologists gather data that helps fill in gaps about what the region’s ecology once looked like.

Reactions from the field

“It might be the biggest one ever collected in Mississippi. That was the find of the day,” remarked Jonathan Leard, another researcher who was working with Starnes.

Beyond its sheer size, the bone’s excellent state of preservation impressed scientists. Museum specialists plan to protect and catalog it, adding crucial data to ongoing studies of Cretaceous-era species in Mississippi.

Ancient seas in modern landscapes

Coastal waters of the late Cretaceous covered much of North America’s southern region. Vast inland seas teemed with predators that now inspire awe for their ferocity and scale.

The land around Starkville, which is dotted with creeks, was once submerged beneath waves that were home to mosasaurs.

By mapping these deposits, geologists piece together how shorelines shifted over time and how different species adapted.

Glimpse into powerful hunters

Mosasaurs, including Mosasaurus hoffmannii, blended lizard-like bodies with aquatic adaptations. They used flippers instead of legs and had long tails that propelled them with surprising speed.

These reptiles were not shy about eating fish, smaller marine reptiles, or even members of their own kind.

Their place in the food web allowed them to dominate waters until the abrupt changes that were triggered by the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event.

The broader impact of each fossil

Every large fossil expands our knowledge of ancient biodiversity. Even a single vertebra reveals new details about feeding habits, possible migration routes, and interactions with other marine predators.

Researchers frequently compare bones from different deposits to understand variations in size among mosasaurs. They also examine growth rings, bite marks, and other clues that may unravel behavior in these massive reptiles.

Ongoing efforts in Mississippi

Local museums aim to conserve each piece of the state’s fossil record. Curators study everything from shells to entire skeletons, building a clearer timeline of ancient life.

Collaborations between government agencies and academic experts improve the understanding of life in prehistoric Mississippi.

This recent giant vertebra find has deepened excitement for future surveys in the region, which might unveil more evidence of formidable sea creatures.

Information for this article came from a Mississippi State University press release.

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The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at May 25, 2025, results for each game:

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Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.

Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:

Mississippi Lottery Corporation

P.O. Box 321462

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If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.

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Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.

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This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.

In response to proposed budget cuts under President Donald Trump’s administration, space advocates and community leaders from South Mississippi and across the nation rallied in Washington, D.C., to protect crucial NASA programs. At the heart of the advocacy are the Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi, and the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, two of the Gulf Coast’s largest employers and vital contributors to the Artemis program. With the future of the Artemis Campaign potentially at risk, these advocates are urging lawmakers to ensure continued funding to support America’s ambitions in space exploration.

Stennis and Michoud: NASA’s crucial space facilities

The Stennis Space Center and the Michoud Assembly Facility are critical to the development of NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually reach Mars. The Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft, both essential components of Artemis, are built and tested at these facilities. Any funding cuts could severely impact operations, jobs, and the broader economy of South Mississippi and Southeast Louisiana, where these centers are located.“These programs don’t just represent exploration, they represent thousands of skilled jobs and future opportunities for our region,” said Tish Williams, executive director of Partners for Stennis and Michoud.

Advocacy for NASA funds in Washington

Tish Williams, along with over 100 members of Citizens for Space Exploration from 25 states, traveled to Washington to voice concerns directly to lawmakers. The group met with congressional leaders to stress the need to maintain NASA funding at no less than Fiscal Year 2024 levels. Their message was clear: cutting funds now, after only three Artemis flights, would be a major setback for America’s space ambitions.“If there’s any cut to the Artemis programs after only having three flights, that would be devastating,” Williams emphasized. “We need full funding to maintain momentum and meet strategic goals, including reaching the Moon before China.”

Political support and legislative momentum

Despite the challenges posed by the presidential budget proposal, Williams said there is optimism on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers are already drafting language aimed at preserving funding for NASA’s Artemis-related programs. Mississippi’s congressional delegation has reportedly played a key role in pushing for continued investment in the space sector.“This is the president’s proposal,” Williams noted. “But Congress ultimately decides the budget. The good news is that many legislators understand what’s at stake, not just for Mississippi, but for the country’s position in global space leadership.”

A critical crossroads for space exploration

Industry experts believe it will take at least another eight years of consistent investment to fully realize the technological advancements needed for long-term space missions. Advocates argue that now is not the time to scale back.With continued collaboration between NASA, local communities, and federal lawmakers, space advocates hope to secure the necessary funding and ensure that America remains at the forefront of space exploration with Stennis and Michoud leading the way.