Mammoth excavation near Kennewick leads to other discoveries

KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) — Researchers excavating a mammoth found south of Kennewick have unearthed other discoveries, including the remnants of snakes, lizards, ground squirrels, birds and possibly even a camel.

Researchers have dug through more than 11 feet of dirt at the Coyote Canyon dig site since excavation began five years ago.

They've recovered more than 70 bones from the mammoth in addition to a variety of other critters.



Bax Barton, director of research at the site, tells the Tri-City Herald that researchers have learned the mid-Columbia region went through a particularly hot period around 9,000 years ago.

He says they can tell because they've found only small rodents such as field and deer mice from that time period; larger animals likely had to go to cooler areas to survive.