MILLS, Wyoming -- The Bureau of Reclamation received reports of possible pre-historic mammal remains being located on Reclamation land near Cody, Wyoming, on Tuesday, April 17. The fossil remains are believed to be from a mammoth and include rib elements, vertebral elements, and a number of other bones.
"The site was located, and based on interviews, Reclamation's special agent determined the site may have been disturbed prior to being reported to Reclamation," Wyoming Area Manager Carlie Ronca said. "Law enforcement is currently working with the resource staff to assess the damage to the site."
The remains were uncovered as a result of Buffalo Bill Reservoir decreasing in storage as part of normal reservoir operations. Due to the location of the remains, Reclamation and Wyoming's Archaeologist are working to remove the materials before the reservoir rises from spring snowmelt.
Under the Paleontological Resources Preservation Act, federal agencies are required to manage paleontological resources located on federal land. Criminal and civil penalties can be applied for unauthorized collection of fossils and vandalism.
Fossils are non-renewable and (except for microfossils and those that make up the energy minerals) relatively rare resources with significant scientific, educational, commercial, and recreational values.
Well-preserved fossils are always interesting and may add much to our knowledge of the geologic history and structure of the region. Fossils are the remains, imprints, and traces of once-living organisms preserved in the earth's crust. Fossils may be bones, teeth, shells, impressions, footprints, or burrows. Collection of fossils are not permitted on Reclamation land.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
