Girl’s ‘mammoth’ bone find may be 500,000 years old

Girl’s ‘Mammoth’ Bone Discovery Dates Back 500,000 Years

A fragment of bone unearthed on a coastal stretch by a young girl might trace its origins to an era spanning half a million years, claims an evolutionary biologist. The find, made by Nina Evans, a seven-year-old from Ipswich, occurred during a family outing to Felixstowe beach on Easter Saturday. Accompanied by her father, David Evans, and her nine-year-old brother, Ivan, the trio was scanning the shoreline for shark teeth when Nina stumbled upon an unusual object.

“It could be from something larger than a cow, like a mammoth or an Irish elk, or even more unexpected creatures such as wild horses or rhinos,” explained Professor Ben Garrod of the University of East Anglia. “The bone’s age suggests it’s sub-fossilized, likely from the Pleistocene, which spans between 100,000 and 500,000 years. While the exact identity remains uncertain, it’s a significant relic of prehistoric life.”

Garrod highlighted the possibility that the bone might have coexisted with early humans. “If this specimen once roamed Suffolk, it could have traversed to mainland Europe, as the North Sea hadn’t formed yet,” he noted. The discovery has been hailed as a remarkable contribution to understanding ancient ecosystems.

Suffolk, known for its Pleistocene fossils, including mammoth remains, has become a hotspot for such finds. David Evans shared that he regularly brings his children to locations like Felixstowe and Southwold, hoping to uncover hidden treasures. “Nina asked what kind of stone it was, and I thought it might be a piece of wood. But once we realized it was a bone, we were thrilled,” he said. The bone is now stored in a special box, a prized possession in Nina’s room.

“She’s a quiet girl who doesn’t seek recognition, so I believe she’ll quietly cherish this discovery,” David added. “It’s a modest find, but for her, it’s a major piece of history.”

UK Fossils noted Suffolk’s reputation for preserving relics from the Great Ice Age. The family’s unexpected find underscores the region’s rich prehistoric heritage. For more stories from Suffolk, reach out to the BBC or follow updates on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X.