Massive Mammoth Discovered in Oklahoma

"This is a dream come true," said archaeologist Tom Cox

A massive prehistoric discovery in Oklahoma is shedding new light on the history of Earth.

Mammoth bones were uncovered by workers installing a high-pressure natural gas line northwest of Enid. The bones are like a giant jigsaw puzzle that could unlock age-old secrets. One bone weighs about 50 lbs.

Experts believe the mammoth is 50,000 years old and isn't a wooly mammoth, but an Imperial or Columbia mammoth that roamed the Great Plains during prehistoric times.

The Oklahoma Archaeological Survey brought in Geoarchaeology Masters to study the site.

They've been working at the site since August, carefully carting every last piece of this former 15-foot, 10-ton mammoth back to the lab at Oklahoma State University.

Students are also helping with the excavation and some are still in shock that they were hand-picked for the work.

"Since I'm a sophomore, I'm thinking it's for PhD, Master students and I was like the only undergrad. I'm like 'why aren't more people out here?' this is amazing! Only a once in a lifetime kind of thing," said Taylor Iberosi who is majoring in geography at OSU.

Students from the geography, geology and zoology departments are expected to assist in reconstructing the remains.

This article compiled from a report from Bree Steffen at KFOR-TV.

More: Oklahoma State University Students and Specialists Unearth Prehistoric Mammoth

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