Today’s Big News: Parker Schnabel Unearths Woolly Mammoth Skeletons in Yukon Mine

In a recent update from the world of Gold Rush, Parker Schnabel, renowned gold miner, made a startling discovery underground. Mammoth tusks buried in permafrost and the remains of woolly mammoths were among the treasures unearthed by Schnabel and his team on May 27, 20213.

The discovery of three giant woolly mammoth skeletons in a Yukon mine owned by Schnabel, with minor Trey Charlie playing a pivotal role, has captured the attention of paleontologists and enthusiasts alike. Grant Zazula, a paleontologist from Yukon, expressed excitement over this remarkable find, highlighting the rarity of intact partial skeletons and the presence of multiple skeletons in one location.

These mammoth skeletons were found near a layer of volcanic tephra, suggesting an approximate age of around 290,000 years, coinciding with a volcanic eruption in the Juan Islands. The discovery sheds light on the prehistoric landscape of Canada, once dominated by glaciers but with pockets of ice-free areas like Dawson City, attracting grazing mammals during the Ice Age.

The cold but dry climate of Yukon during the Ice Age preserved the remains of these ancient creatures, often uncovered by gold miners during their quest for gold-filled gravel. Schnabel, recognizing the value of these fossils and tusks as collectibles, has opted to keep them rather than sell them, although the opportunity exists with the necessary permits.

The mammoth skeletons have been turned over to the Yukon government for further research, including investigations into the cause of death. Samples will be sent to DNA labs for analysis, marking a collaborative effort to unravel the mysteries of these ancient giants.

This discovery not only adds to our understanding of prehistoric life but also underscores the importance of preserving and studying such finds for future generations.