TxDOT Uncovers Prehistoric Megafauna Bones During Lubbock Road Project

During construction on Loop 88 near Lubbock, Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) uncovered fossilized remains of prehistoric megafauna, including a giant ground sloth identified by its distinctive tooth. The site, located near ancient lakebeds known as playas, was once a watering hole for Ice Age animals and early humans, prompting archaeologists to conduct a staged mitigation excavation to search for human artifacts. While some bones may belong to other megafauna such as mammoths or mastodons, paleontologists are still working to positively identify all remains. No evidence of human activity has been found yet, but if discovered, it could halt construction due to legal protections. TxDOT is collaborating with the Museum of Texas Tech University to study and preserve the findings, aiming to balance infrastructure development with archaeological preservation. This discovery marks a significant paleontological find for TxDOT projects and highlights the rich prehistoric heritage of the Texas Panhandle region.