Wichita State professor leads team to uncover mammoth remains
David Hughes, associate anthropology professor at Wichita State University, and recent graduate Steven Roberts will direct the excavation Monday, Oct. 17-Tuesday, Oct. 18.
The best time for media to get visuals is 1-3:30 p.m. Monday when researchers expect to expose the fossil's tusk. On Tuesday, the team will conduct further explorations to see what other bones may be present.
Hughes, who was also involved in excavating a tusk found several years ago at Kellogg and Edgemoor, says there are indications that more remains are at the site than just the tusk.
To get there from Wichita, take Highway 54 west to Cunninghan. Take the Cunningham exit north about one-half mile, then turn right (east) on the Skyland Gran driveway for about a half mile.
Background
A mammoth tusk was uncovered recently during a construction project near Cunningham. Mammoths migrated to the Americas during the Pleistocene, perhaps as early as 100,000 years ago and were resident here throughout the Ice Age until about 12,000 years ago when they became extinct.
The age of this particular mammoth is not yet known.
The archaeological site is on private property, so be respectful of the land owners' wishes.
For more information, call the Department of Anthropology at 316-978-3195.