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Mammoth remains revealed in Bulgaria as Danube water levels hit record low

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Mammoth remains, including a lower jaw and tusks, have been discovered in northern Bulgaria.
  • The discovery occurred after the Danube River's water levels dropped to a record low due to prolonged heat waves and drought.
  • Experts will further examine the bones to determine their exact origin and age, with initial beliefs suggesting the animal died thousands of years ago in a swamp.

Ancient mammoth remains have surfaced in northern Bulgaria, revealed by the Danube River's unprecedented low water levels. The discovery, made by a local resident near Ryahovo village, has drawn the attention of specialists from the Regional History Museum in Ruse.

Museum Director Nikolay Nenov confirmed that experts identified a lower jaw, two tusks, and possibly a mammoth rib. These significant bones are scheduled for removal and further examination to accurately establish their origin and age. Nenov described the find as scientifically important, noting that the site is long believed to have been a swamp where the animal likely perished millennia ago.

The receding Danube levels are a consequence of Europe's ongoing summer heat waves and drought, which have severely impacted major waterways. This environmental crisis has not only affected river transport but has now led to the uncovering of prehistoric evidence, offering a glimpse into the region's distant past.

I would not call it a sensation, but any discovery of such ancient remains is very important for science.

โ€” Nikolay NenovMuseum Director Nikolay Nenov commented on the significance of the find.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.