UCMP MYSTERY FOSSIL #55 is . . .
the molar of a Columbian Mammoth, Mammuthus columbi

In 2005, the skull, partial pelvis, tibia, and a few other odd bones of a Columbian Mammoth were discovered along the Guadalupe River in San Jose. The Mystery Fossil photo is a closeup of the ridged surface of one of the mammoth's molars — the molars can be seen near the center of the photo at left. One dislodged molar is colored blue. Preparation of the bones has been completed and photographs of both the excavation and prep processes can be seen here. To read more about mammoths in general, see our About Mammoths page.