The remains of an ancient monster with a dark, massive tooth have been identified in the Mississippi River (USA) at the end of October, belonging to a species of giant lion that has been extinct.
This rare specimen is particularly valuable as it is only the fourth known body part of this species ever found. With such a limited fossil record, each piece is extremely important for scientists to visualize how it lived and its connections on the evolutionary tree.
Rare specimen of an extinct monster lion – (Photo: Anna Reginelli).
According to Science Alert, a local resident named Wiley Prewitt discovered what appeared to be a giant black tooth protruding from the sand in the dry river and decided to bring the specimen to the Mississippi Fossil and Artifact Exhibition and Symposium on October 29.
The specimen, which includes a part of the jawbone, was received and analyzed by experts, confirming it to be a giant American lion with the scientific name Panthera atrox, which is also the largest cat species ever to roam the continent.
Previous data has helped scientists depict a colossal monster lion that greatly surpasses today’s lions, with a notably large but muscular build.
“Portrait” of the monster lion Panthera atrox – (Photo: EXTINCTIONS).
According to the U.S. National Park Service, this creature measured nearly 2.4 meters in length, stood 1.2 meters tall, and could weigh over 453 kg when alive. The monster lion became extinct approximately 11,000 years ago.
The specimen is currently under further study.
This is not the first ancient artifact to be naturally unearthed in the Mississippi River during the severe drought that has persisted from summer to early autumn this year in the U.S.
Another recent discovery includes an object believed to be a ferry that sank in the late 19th to early 20th century, now visible along the riverbank.
