LSU vertebrate paleontology collection manager Mason Kirkland and director of the Brookshire Military Museum James Gregory embarked on an adventure down No Name Creek, Louisiana’s unmapped waterway. The duo discovered a root canal system attached to a set of teeth from a large creature, which later identified as a mastodon.
The excavation took place in January after a historic snowfall in south Louisiana. Kirkland knew at the moment he had found something significant due to the shape of the molars. A month later, they uncovered a fully intact tusk, believed to be from a juvenile mastodon. However, further analysis revealed that the remains were likely from an adult.
The No Name Creek Mastodon remains a mystery, waiting for further study and excavation. Kirkland and Gregory’s discovery has already left an indelible mark on their lives, creating a lasting memory of their thrilling adventure.
Treasure hunters have been deterred by the creek’s location, which is officially unnamed and does not appear on Google Maps. The trek to get there requires a serious sense of adventure, bordering on hazardous. Despite the challenges, Kirkland and Gregory persisted, driven by their passion for discovery and the thrill of uncovering secrets in the bayou.
Source: https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/entertainment_life/ice-age-mastodon-louisiana/article_614a4415-0199-477b-a37e-e58101d24b36.html