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Fossils from Tule Springs on Exhibit
On June 25, 2015 the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas received fossil specimens from the National Park Services Tule Springs Fossil Bed National Monument from the San Bernardino County Museum in California. The museum is acting as a temporary repository for over 10,000 specimens until the National Park Service can build their own facilities at the new monument located on the north end of Las Vegas Valley.
The museum has an exhibit about the newly formed monument with fossil specimens of Pleistocene mammals such as mammoth teeth and camel bones. These significant fossils tell a story of a wetter environment during the Pleistocene epoch (2.5 million years ago to 11,700 years ago) where herds of mammoths, prehistoric horses, bison, and camels roamed the valley. There is also fossil evidence that this spring fed area was also home to predators such as the American lion, Dire wolf, and Saber-toothed cat, and human beings.
Though direct evidence of humans hunting Pleistocene mammals in the Las Vegas Valley has not been found, this question has led to significant excavations by archaeologist and paleontologist in the past and still directs current investigations within the area.
The fossils on display are just a few of the specimens that have been removed from the monument area when it was under the management of the Bureau of Land Management. It is hoped that more of the Tule Springs area fossils will return to Southern Nevada and the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas is pleased to be able to temporarily house the material until a new facility can be built.
On July 18, 2015 there was an official unveiling of the Tule Springs Fossil Bed National Monument display with over 200 people in attendance.
