A giant fossil discovered in a Mississippi riverbed may belong to the largest mosasaur ever unearthed in the state. This exciting find consists of a single, massive vertebra from Mosasaurus hoffmanni — a dominant marine predator that lived during the Cretaceous period.
The fossil was spotted on April 15 by geologist James Starnes of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. It was partially exposed in a stream bed south of Starkville. Starnes, stunned by its size, enlisted help from fellow geologist Jonathan Leard, who carefully extracted it from the surrounding sediment.
“I knew right away it was a mosasaur,” said Starnes. “But its size left me completely in awe. As a professional, that moment of discovery never gets old.”
A Glimpse of a Giant
The vertebra measures over 7 inches (18 cm) wide, suggesting the creature stretched at least 30 feet (9 meters) in length. Researchers say it likely belonged to M. hoffmanni, a species known for growing up to 50 feet (15 meters) — or even more in rare cases.
With large, muscular jaws and rows of sharp, cone-like teeth, M. hoffmanni was a top predator in its time. It fed on fish, squid, turtles, seabirds, and even other mosasaurs. Fossil evidence shows these creatures were not only fierce hunters but also cannibalistic when resources were scarce.
Mississippi’s Ancient Ocean
About 66 million years ago, Mississippi looked very different. It was submerged beneath a warm, shallow sea filled with life. Marine reptiles, ancient sharks, ammonites, and large schools of fish thrived in these tropical waters. Pterosaurs glided through the skies, while dinosaurs roamed the nearby coastal plains.
This vertebra adds to a growing body of evidence that this region was once a vibrant marine ecosystem. According to Starnes, the fossil may exceed the size of any mosasaur remains currently held in the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.
“This is the biggest mosasaur fossil I’ve come across,” Starnes said. “It could be the largest ever found in Mississippi.”
The Last of the Sea Dragons
Mosasaurus hoffmanni was one of the last mosasaurs to roam Earth before the mass extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs. Around 66 million years ago, a massive asteroid impact disrupted ecosystems worldwide. The marine food web collapsed, and species like M. hoffmanni vanished forever.
Despite their extinction, mosasaurs continue to fascinate scientists and the public alike. Their powerful build, sharp teeth, and mysterious disappearance make them one of prehistory’s most iconic marine creatures.
A Scientific Breakthrough in the Making
This new fossil isn’t just impressive in size — it also holds potential scientific value. Paleontologists could learn more about the growth patterns, lifespan, and evolutionary biology of mosasaurs by studying this specimen. If more bones from the same individual are found, researchers may be able to reconstruct a more complete skeleton — something rarely achieved for mosasaurs.
Comparisons with other fossil records might also reveal how mosasaurs in Mississippi differed from those found in other parts of North America or the world.
Local Interest and Future Research
This find is already sparking excitement among local paleontologists and fossil enthusiasts. Mississippi has long been known for its rich fossil beds, but discoveries like this keep proving there’s more to uncover. Starnes encourages locals to stay curious and to report any unusual rock or bone formations they might come across during hikes or outdoor activities.
“Some of the most incredible discoveries start with someone noticing something strange sticking out of the ground,” he said.
The fossil is currently undergoing cleaning and analysis. Once prepared, it may become part of a public exhibit to inspire future scientists and showcase the state’s prehistoric past.
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