7-18-2020 The Mammoth Site and Grasslands

Today was really an educational day.  We drove about 65 miles south of Rapid City to Hot Springs, home of the Mammoth Site.  They have unearthed over 40 Mammoths at this site including Columbian Mammoth (Largest of the Mammoths) and Woolly Mammoths.  The location was an ancient sink hole that filled with water, so attracted the animals.  They have found many smaller animals in the site as well.  For anyone with interest in Paleontology this is a must if in the area.


The site has been enclosed in a building so that the work and 
research can continue year round.


Mammoth Molars 




Skeleton of a Giant Short Nosed Bear
far larger than any current bear.



Comparative size of a Woolly Mammoth vs a Columbian Mammoth





California Channel Islands Pygmy Mammoth


Pygmy Mammoth Skull


A stop for Lunch at Woolly's Grill


The wide open spaces of the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands



The Beartooth Highway

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