Kayaking Sisters Stumble Upon Mysterious Grizzly Bear Skull Hidden for Centuries in Kansas River
“Whether it is hundreds or thousands of years old, the skull gives us a better insight into the richness of life on the plains before Western man.”
The most plausible theory currently posits the skull was buried in the Ark River sands, which are highly conducive to longterm preservation, before it was displaced by the historic floods earlier this year.
Although grizzly bears are native to Kansas, the KDWPT believes this particular species had been extirpated by the mid-1800s. That historical likelihood leads some to believe this fossil did, indeed, belong to the more modern variant of the animal. The skull is certainly in pristine condition, save for a few minor teeth being absent.
“It’s been pretty amazing not only discovering the skull but also the crowdsourcing used to determine how truly exceptional this find is,” said Ashley. “We can’t wait to see what further information can be uncovered about this incredible animal.”
In the spirit of shared experience, the two sisters generously donated the skull to the Sternberg Museum.
After learning about the ancient bear skull discovered by two sisters kayaking in Kansas, read about the reconstructions from ancient skulls revealing what humans looked like 9,500 years ago. Then, learn about evidence of the fabled “king” polar bears potentially being discovered in Alaska.
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