A recent discovery off the coast of Florida has left fossil enthusiasts in awe. A Florida man, Alex Lundberg, made a remarkable find while diving near Manasota Key, approximately 90 miles south of Tampa. Lundberg, who has been diving for 12 years and hunting for fossils since childhood, stumbled upon an ancient mastodon tusk back in April.

The mastodon tusk, yet to be dated, is believed to be potentially millions of years old. Lundberg, a marine biology graduate from the University of South Florida, expressed his excitement over the find, highlighting the rarity of discovering such a well-preserved artifact in Florida’s waters. While smaller fossil fragments are common, finding a sizable and intact tusk like this is indeed a rare occurrence.

Mastodons, massive creatures that roamed North and Central America until their extinction around 10,500 years ago, are distinct from mammoths despite sharing a common ancestry with mammoths and elephants. Standing at heights of up to 10 feet, mastodons were a significant part of the prehistoric landscape.

Lundberg emphasized the importance of obtaining a fossil permit for those interested in fossil hunting, noting that Florida’s permits are available for a nominal fee of five dollars. He underlined the significance of responsible fossil hunting practices to preserve these valuable artifacts for scientific study.

The discovery of the mastodon tusk adds to the rich tapestry of prehistoric finds in the region and serves as a reminder of the diverse and fascinating history hidden beneath Florida’s waters. As enthusiasts and researchers continue to explore the depths, who knows what other ancient treasures may come to light in the future.