Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
A nine-year-old boy hiking with his family near Las Cruces, New Mexico, accidentally uncovered the remains of a Stegomastodon—an extinct elephant relative. Reports put the fossil at about 1.2 million years old. Researchers excavated it with the landowner’s permission, and the material was reported to have gone to New Mexico State University’s Vertebrate Museum.
What fossil did the boy find?
Jude Sparks found exposed fossil remains while hiking with his family in the Las Cruces area. The remains were identified as Stegomastodon, an extinct proboscidean related to elephants—not a dinosaur. Sparks was nine at the time of the discovery; some later accounts call him ten while recounting the event. National Geographic’s 2017 account described the find as unusually rare, reporting that only a couple hundred Stegomastodon fossils had been discovered worldwide. That is the outlet’s estimate from 2017, not a verified current global count.
How old was the fossil?
Contemporaneous reports estimated the remains to be about 1.2 million years old. That figure is an estimate, not a precise date established in the available reporting. A New Mexico Geological Society abstract gives a biostratigraphic age of 1.6–1.2 million years for a nearby Tortugas Stegomastodon locality, but says that locality and other sites had not been stratigraphically correlated. Its age range therefore should not be treated as a dating result for Sparks’ fossil.
How was it found and recovered?
An accidental discovery
Sparks was hiking with his family when he tripped over material protruding from the ground. It was not a discovery made during a formal fossil expedition. His family contacted New Mexico State University biology professor Peter Houde, who recognized the potential significance and arranged to inspect the site.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- Three-Item Fossil Set – Includes one Velociraptor claw replica, one Mosasaur tooth (B-grade), and one genuine small ammonite fossil
- Educational and Collectible – A great hands-on way to explore prehistoric life and paleontology
- Genuine Fossils Included – Both the Mosasaur tooth and ammonite are real fossil specimens
- Realistic Replica Claw – Velociraptor claw cast features high quality texture and curvature
- Ready for Display or Teaching – Great for collectors, educators, or science-themed gifts
Excavation and museum custody
Researchers excavated the fossil with the landowner’s permission. Reports said the recovered material went to NMSU’s Vertebrate Museum for study. The available accounts do not establish whether it is currently on public display.
Why did the find matter to paleontologists?
Stegomastodons were extinct relatives of elephants, and a substantial fossil find can give researchers material to study. Houde described the skull as “one of the very best to have been found in New Mexico,” an expert assessment reported at the time rather than an official ranking. The combination of an accidental discovery, a skull find and recovery for museum study made the story notable beyond its age estimate.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Realistic Velociraptor Claw Replica – Experience the thrill of the Cretaceous period with this life-size replica of a velociraptor claw, perfect for dinosaur enthusiasts and collectors
- Educational Dinosaur Fossil Replica – Ideal for classrooms, museums, and home displays, this dinosaur claw replica helps bring prehistoric lessons to life for kids and adults alike
- High-Quality and Detailed Design – Crafted to capture the sharp, curved nature of the velociraptor’s deadly claw
- Great Gift for Dinosaur Lovers – Perfect for aspiring paleontologists, fossil collectors, and fans of dinosaurs; a special addition to any fossil collection
- Compact and Collectible Size – Measuring approximately 2.2 inches, this small dinosaur claw fits easily in the palm of your hand, making it a portable piece of history
Rank #4
- Replica Chirostenotes dinosaur claw – approx. 4.5 inches (11.43cm)
- Species: Chirostenotes pergracilis, Late Cretaceous (~76.5 million years ago), Alberta, Canada
- Realistic texture and anatomical accuracy – great for collectors, educators, and fossil enthusiasts
- Useful in paleontology education, museum displays, or as a unique prehistoric gift
- Display-ready fossil replica (stand not included)
Rank #3
- ✅ [DURABLE AND SOILD] Hand-cast from high-quality solid resin, Heavier than ordinary resin, it looks like a stone. NOTE: Because each dinosaur figurines is partially handcrafted and polished, color tone may vary from pictures
- ✅ [REALISTIC DETAILS] powerfully convincing color and texture, Highly Distressed Finish in Shades of Brown that Makes it Look Like it Was Recently Unearthed ancient fossilized dinosaur skeletons
- ✅ [MULTI-PURPOSE STATUE] It's The Perfect Dinosaur Gifts For Adults. This dinosaur model can be used not only for decoration in-home/office/school, but also as a fun teaching tool and geographic archeology game kit
- ✅ [WALL HANGING AND DESKTOP DISPLAY] This decorative dinosaur skeleton statue has hooks on the back and comes with two different styles of desktop stands to add sophistication to your room decor. Your home or office will shine with your dinosaur art. Easy to clean, it's fun to easily sweep the dust off the dinosaur skeleton statue when you are bored. BONUS: Cleaning brush, dark red resin holder, black plastic holder, white cotton gloves
- ✅ [NICE PRESENT IDEA] Our dinosaur statue is a nice present to your families, friends, relatives or someone else for Valentines Day, Christmas, New Year's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Anniversary Thanksgiving Day,Birthday etc. This detailed crafted dinosaur gift measures 11x 7x 0.36inch/ 29 x 18 x 1 cm, 2lb
Rank #2
- Dimensions: 12.6"Wx4"Dx8.5"H 1.3 lbs.
- This dinosaur skeleton fossil model is highly detailed from polyresin and is on a base.It is suitable for an interesting home decoration.
- It is with amazing detail, realistic, educational, and fun, this statue is suitable for a range of interests, including collectors, teachers, and kids. Can be given to them as an interesting gift for dino lover.
- Material:Resin,durable,you can keep it for a long time.
- It is suitable for an interesting home decoration.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
