![](https://lifeboat.com/blog.images/13600-year-old-remarkably-intact-mastodon-skull-discovered-in-iowa2.jpg)
In an unexpected turn of events, a two-week archaeological dig unearthed a remarkably intact mastodon skull in a creek that might carry signs of human life too.
Over twelve days, archaeologists unearthed several mastodon bones. However, the skull, being “the first-ever well-preserved” artifact of its kind, makes it a significant find with potential connections to human history.
“We’re really hoping to find evidence of human interaction with this creature — perhaps the projectile points and knives that were used to kill the animal and do initial butchering,” John Doershuk, director and state archaeologist at the University of Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist (OSA) said.