On February 13, Jason Howery, a fossil enthusiast from Missouri, made headlines after pulling a massive prehistoric bone from a river near Ravenwood. The jaw-dropping moment was caught on video and quickly gained attention nationwide. Howery, wading through shallow water, managed to lift what he believes is a thighbone, referred to as a femur, from either a mammoth or a mastodon. He estimated the bone’s weight at around 80 pounds.
As seen in the viral video shared by The New York Post, Howery’s excitement was palpable as he retrieved the colossal bone from the riverbed, letting sediment wash away to reveal its true size. His discovery aligns with his ongoing research on ancient megafauna and contributes to his Paleo Outreach Program, which aims to educate students and the wider community about prehistoric life.
This incident has sparked a broader interest in the Ice Age and its creatures. For many, like Andrew Powell, a blogger who covered the event, such discoveries evoke nostalgia and curiosity. Powell described the retrieval as “on another level,” emphasizing how rare and thrilling it is to find something so significant in a river.
The fascination with Ice Age creatures isn’t merely a modern phenomenon. Historical records show that mammoths and mastodons roamed North America thousands of years ago, and their remains are often discovered, igniting public interest. According to recent paleontological studies, discoveries like Howery’s contribute to our understanding of these ancient giants and their environments.
Interestingly, social media buzz around Howery’s find reflects a growing trend of amateur fossil hunting and nature exploration. People are increasingly sharing their discoveries online, creating a community of fossil enthusiasts who celebrate these moments together. This sense of wonder and quest for knowledge resonates with many in today’s digital world.
For those looking to delve deeper into the topic, the National Park Service provides valuable resources on fossil preservation and the importance of these discoveries.
In summary, Jason Howery’s find is more than just a viral video; it’s a window into our planet’s past and a reminder of the ongoing fascination with prehistoric life.
