Is this a dinosaur jaw?! (pic)

[Daniel My Brother]

Went fishing tonight with my friend Mark and his 9 year old son, Dillon. While we fished, Dillon went exploring and found something amazing...at least to my untrained eye.

We were on a remote section of stream that's at least a 2 mile walk from any kind of road. There had been a lot of erosion, and in the middle of the bank Dillon discovered what appears to be a dinosaur jaw!

We marked the spot and carried this heavy (petrified) chunk of history back to the truck. Should we have left it for experts? Probably. But we weren't about to take any chances with it.

Hopefully we'll find out more about this tomorrow.

[fourbizz]

I can't imagine what else it would be if its that big and petrified.

THAT IS FREAKING COOL!!!!!

[hammer84]

That is awesome !!!  Keep us posted if you get any more info on it !

[FordNFishinLover]

oh man is that freaking neat or what! That would have to be one of the most insane fishing trips ever! Please keep updated!

[JShrock07]

That is freakin bad ***!!!!

[Speed Worm]

It seems to be the jaw of what could possibly be a small herbivore dinosaur. Maybe an achelosaurus. Call a local museum and consult a paleontologist.

[Redlinerobert]

Hey Muddy,  they found your dentures!  

[Muddy]

NOW THATS FREAKING FUNNY, GOOD TO SEE YOU AROUND ROBERT

[FR0G]

Now that is awesome! I've always have had a fascination with Dinosaurs. Start digging, you might find the rest of the body.

[rfrazier]

Wow, no idea what else it could be, nice find

[Jimzee]

I don't even know what to say...too awesome!!  

[fourbizz]

Just thought of something. When you guys get ahold of someone in the know, it might be in your best interest not to let them take it without speaking with a lawyer first.

[Jimzee]

Just thought of something. When you guys get ahold of someone in the know, it might be in your best interest not to let them take it without speaking with a lawyer first.

I was just getting ready to edit my post and suggest this.  I can't believe it's in that good of shape.  You guys are very lucky, could be worth some serious dough.

[senko_77]

Speechless!!

That is so so cool.  Your gonna remember that trip for the rest of your life.

[Jimzee]

Kinda looks a little like an elephant jawbone.

Can't imagine what an elephant would be doing in Missouri, especially a petrified one. ;D

I sure hope it's a real dinosaur jawbone.

[Valascus]

Kinda looks a little like an elephant jawbone.

Can't imagine what an elephant would be doing in Missouri, especially a petrified one. ;D

I sure hope it's a real dinosaur jawbone.

Elephant...no. Mastodon, yes. At one time Mastodon heards were common in Missouri. Just look up Mastodon State Park in Imperial, MO. I would be willing to bet that is what you have there Dan. Excellent find!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastodon

[Jimzee]

Kinda looks a little like an elephant jawbone.

Can't imagine what an elephant would be doing in Missouri, especially a petrified one. ;D

I sure hope it's a real dinosaur jawbone.

Elephant...no. Mastodon, yes. At one time Mastodon heards were common in Missouri. Just look up Mastodon State Park in Imperial, MO. I would be willing to bet that is what you have there Dan. Excellent find!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastodon

Valascus nailed it!!

[fourbizz]

how cool is that?!!!

[Sfrazier]

don't tell anyone where it is and dig it up! could be worth hellza lol

[Jake.]

That is awesome! Keep us posted on what happens.

[Avalonjohn44]

I've seen a lot of these come out (not intact) of the peace river in FL, it is either a Mammoth or a Mastodon jaw.  Amazing find!  Get with a professional on how to properly preserve it, now that it is unearthed it may begin to break down rapidly.

[TheBeast]

now that it is unearthed it may begin to break down rapidly.

If it's petrified I don't know that this would be of much concern since it is just rock now.  

A great find, now you gotta worry about losing your fishing spot having been taken over by the treehuggers and archeoligists.

[Siebert Outdoors]

Thats awsome dude. I'd say mammoth also. Lots of them around here or were anyway.  

Here is a mammoth jaw

http://www.paleodirect.com/lm8-003.htm

[Daniel My Brother]

Thanks for the replies. I think Valascus is right, it does appear to be some sort of mammoth/mastadon jaw bone. We're taking it to the local university today to try and learn more.

I don't know that there will be any way to "cash in" on this...but it was certainly a neat thing to witness. I am a little concerned about treasure hunters invading the area...although it's awfully remote...we'll just have to deal with that if/when it happens.

I'll keep you all posted when we learn more.

[slomoe]

Cool stuff.