LUBBOCK, Texas – Recent archaeological excavations at a highway construction site in West Texas have uncovered the fossilized remains of “megafauna,” according to a release from the Texas Department of Transportation.
According to TxDOT, there’s a possibility the dig could be the “first of its kind” for the department if certain ancient evidence is found.
Ice Age fossils found at highway dig
TxDOT says megafauna remains are not uncommon for the area, in Lubbock, which is in a region that’s home to many remnants of Ice Age lakes called “playas.”
During construction for Loop 88, TxDOT contracted a process called staged mitigation for the area, in which archaeologists search for human artifacts near animal remains. Artifacts could include ancient tools or evidence of work, like spear points or chipped stone.
So far, it’s been confirmed that the remains of giant ground sloths were found, and scientists are working to determine whether other animals are included in the discovery.…