Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Massive Cache of Fossils Unearthed at La Brea Tar Pits

Scientists at the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles are in the process of sorting through a massive collection of fossils removed from near the LA County Museum of Art which is next to the tar pits. 23 crate loads of deposits were removed with a crane prior to the site being readied for an underground parking garage.

Since the summer of 2006, scientists working at the Page Museum have been sorting through the deposits. One remarkable find is that of an intact Colombian mammoth ( named Zed) which is estimated to be about 40,000 years old.

Other fossils include American lion bones, horses, bison, coyotes, lynx, ground sloths and dire wolves. The deposits are being uncovered by the staff at the George Page Museum. The lab where this is happening is surrounded by windows, so if you want to go watch take a visit to the Page Museum. You can visit the Museum's webpage here.

To read more and see a picture of Zed's pelvis, click here. KNX news radio also has pictures on their website here

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