The vertebrates of Mammoth Park reflect a broad range of species, as well as
periods. Over twenty species of extinct ice age animals have already been identified, although the analysis of the microfauna has just begun. The larger animals of the late Pleistocene include: mammoth, mastodon, ground sloth, bear, giant bison, dire wolf, and horse. These specimens were contained within the >12,300 yr BP (years Before Present) stratum. The upper portion of the 12,300 yr BP stratum included deer and elk.
Additional fauna included avian species. From a preliminary inspection, it appears that both birds of prey and migratory species could be found at this site from 11,700 -10,700 yr BP.
Rodent cranium, length approx. 5 cm. The high level of preservation has allowed the sutures and dentition to remain intact.
These two rodent mandibles still retain their hinges and all of the original dentition. As with the other faunal material, the preservation at this site allowed for minute detail to still be observable. These specimens are approximately 4 cm in length.
Tentative identification of the microfauna add to the list of vertebrates the muskrat, shrew, and rabbit. These rodents and other small fauna were recovered from the 11,700 yr BP stratum, and continue upward into the stratum dating to approximately 10,700 yr BP.
Artiodactyl metapodial, length
>15 cm. Both ends are intact,
and the bone shows no evidence
of depredation.
Long bone from a bird, length
approx. 10 cm. Both ends are
intact, and the bone shows no
evidence of depredation.