Ancient ice age bison that roamed across Peterborough 150,000 years ago is found by Fossils Galore team
An ancient bison that roamed across the Peterborough countryside 150,000 years ago has been found in a quarry by a team of palaeontologists.
The team from Fossils Galore Museum made the extraordinary discovery during one of its organised Quarry site visits in Peterborough, when they uncovered a partial skull of Bison priscus also known as a Steppe Bison.
Tests show that the Bison dates back to the ice age, 150 thousand years ago.
The impressive specimen was uncovered in a gravel quarry near Peterborough by the team headed by Fossils Galore palaeontologist Jamie Jordan. The discovery marks one of a few significant Bison finds recorded by Fossils Galore Museum.
Resembling the modern bison species, especially the American Bison, adult bull steppe bison could likely reach over 2 m (6 ft 7 in) tall at the Shoulder, and over 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) in weight.
The steppe bison is also anatomically similar to the European Bison.
Jamie said: “It’s an incredible find and a great example of what can be unearthed from beneath our feet.
“Discoveries like this help bring prehistory to life for the public — and show that even today, new and exciting finds are waiting to be unearthed.”
The Skull is now being carefully prepared and conserved by the team and will go on display at the Fossils Galore Museum in March as part of its expanding collection of prehistoric treasures.
Fossils Galore Museum runs family-friendly fossil hunting trips throughout the year across England, offering visitors the chance to explore, learn, and even make their own amazing discoveries.
For more information about upcoming fossil hunts or to support the museum’s work, visit: www.fossilsgalore.com