A 12-year-old boy from Kansas has unearthed an 80-million-year-old marine fossil during a trip with his 4H club. Corbin Bullard, from Clearwater, made the discovery in September while visiting Jewell County with the Sedgwick County 4-H Geology Club.
The fossil, identified as a tylosaurus—a type of mosasaur—was found when Corbin noticed large vertebrae. His mother, Wendy Bullard, told local media: 'He said, 'Whoa.' So we looked down and found what I think were seven or eight large vertebrae.'
Tylosaurus was a large marine reptile that swam through the ancient sea covering Kansas during the Cretaceous period. Experts note that these creatures, which could reach up to 45 feet in length, are related to modern-day snakes but are not dinosaurs.
The fossil consists of eight pieces and stretches more than 15 feet. Corbin has already spent at least 30 hours cleaning it. He will display his findings at the Sedgwick County Fair from July 8 to 11.
