Mammoth bones unearthed on Oregon State football field

Construction workers have unearthed the bones of a mammoth and other ice age mammals on the Oregon State University football field.

Construction workers excavating the site of an expansion project at Oregon State University’s Reser Stadium have
 unearthed what appear to be Ice Age animal bones [Credit: Yvenson Bernard]

The Oregonian reports crews working on an expansion around Reser Stadium found a femur from one of the ancient elephants and bones from a bison and camel, all dating back 10,000 years.

A spokesman says the OSU archaeologist believes the 10-foot pit where the remains were found could have been a pond or watering hole.

OSU associate professor of anthropology Loren Davis says sick animals often went to a body of water to die.

Davis says the find isn't unusual since thousands of mammoths and other long-gone creatures once roamed the surrounding Willamette Valley.

Construction work has been moved elsewhere while experts examine the bones.

Source: Associated Press [January 28, 2016]