A Local ‘Junior Paleontologist’ Digs Up Fun In South Dakota

By Larissa Lytwyn

One could say that 7-year-old R.J. Shaw had a “mammoth” summer vacation this year.

During a trip traveling cross-country with his grandparents to attend a Native American memorial service for a late family friend, R.J. participated in a Junior Paleontologist Excavation at the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, S.D.

The site, which was discovered in 1974 during excavation for a housing development, contains the world’s largest concentration of Columbian and wooly mammoth fossils discovered in their primary context.

This once slippery-sided, spring-fed sinkhole was a death trap for the animals that ventured into it approximately 26,000 years ago. To date, based on tusk count, 52 mammoths have been found. In addition, 27 other species of Ice Age fauna have been uncovered over the past 26 years.

The educational Junior Paleontologist Excavation program allows youth aged 4–12 to participate in a simulated dig at the mammoth site. Participants learn various aspects of paleontological excavation, including correct excavation techniques and bone identification. Fiberglass replicas of actual mammoth and giant short-faced bear fossils are excavated.

R.J. also visited the Badlands and Crazy Horse monument, capturing the Old West sentiment of days past. He celebrated the 4th of July watching fireworks at Mount Rushmore.

For more information on the Mammoth site, visit www.mammothsite.com, email mammoth@mammothsite.com or call 605-745-6017.