Black Hills Magic - Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
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Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
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Mammoth Site Dig
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At the southern tip of the Black Hills is the Mammoth Site -- a treasure trove of Ice Age fossils from creatures such as the Columbian mammoth and woolly mammoth. This is a working museum as excavation is
ongoing, it's also the largest in situ (bones left as found) display in North America.
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Model Of A Columbian Mammoth
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Mammoth Site offers a rare glimpse of life 26,000 years ago. More than 50 woolly and Columbian mammoths have been uncovered here and scientists believe as many as 100 mammoths may have died here. This is the largest concentration of mammoths in the world. The reason for so many mammoths is that they became trapped in a sinkhole while feeding. Mammoths aren't the only creatures uncovered in the site, there have been 35 species found including giant short-faced bear, camel, llama, and coyotes, to name a few.
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Kids Dig It!
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How the Mammoth Site was discovered is quite interesting. In 1974 a local
developer began a housing project, when he started digging some unusual bones and tusks appeared. The area is now enclosed by a 23,000 square foot climate controlled building ensuring these priceless treasures aren't harmed by the elements.
Open year round, the Mammoth Site offers 30-minute guided tours plus a
10-minute video. Walkways allow visitors close-up views of the site and hundreds of displays exhibit the findings with detailed historical perspectives. During the month of July, visitors can actually watch teams of paleontologists unearthing more prehistoric clues. There are even junior paleontology programs with simulated digs to help kids from 4-14. This is one can't miss site in the Black Hills.
AnitaVacation Thoughts:
My daughters and I were only in the Black Hills for three days and it far exceeded our expectations. This is a place with so much color and character it begs to be discovered. With such a short stay, there's a lot we didn't see: Devils Tower (Wyoming), Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon, Jewel Cave, to name a few. We can't wait to return!
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