A nearly complete mammoth skeleton has been unearthed from Natural Trap Cave in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains, offering significant insights into the region's prehistoric life during the Ice Age.
Natural Trap Cave, a 85-foot-deep pit, has maintained a consistent temperature of around 42°F (5.5°C) and 98% humidity for millennia. These unique conditions have proven exceptional for preserving animal remains, allowing for the extraction of mitochondrial DNA from specimens dating back as far as 20,000 years.
The excavation, conducted in the summer of 2025, was led by Dr. Julie Meachen of Des Moines University. Her team discovered the remarkably intact mammoth skeleton, a rare find in a cave that typically yields only isolated bones. Dr. Meachen noted that while many creatures met their end in the cave, the preservation of complete skeletons is an extraordinary event.
This discovery is particularly valuable for understanding mammoth anatomy and the specific preservation conditions within the cave. Natural Trap Cave is considered a significant paleontological site, comparable to the La Brea Tar Pits, though it remains a less publicly known treasure. Research collaborations, including those with the University of Wyoming, continue to shed light on North America's ancient past.
The Late Pleistocene epoch, when these fossils originated, was a period of significant climatic shifts and megafauna populations. North America's biodiversity included mammoths, the American cheetah, American lion, and short-faced bear. Studying these remains helps scientists reconstruct past ecosystems and understand the factors contributing to the extinction of these Ice Age mammals. The discovery of hybrid species from interbreeding between North American and Eurasian populations during this era further illustrates the dynamic nature of life in the Pleistocene.
The Bureau of Land Management oversees and protects Natural Trap Cave, keeping it closed to the public to maintain its scientific integrity. Ongoing research at the site promises to further unravel the mysteries of Ice Age ecosystems and mammalian evolution in North America.