Six-year-old Julian Gagnon was out for a walk with his family in a Rochester Hills nature reserve known as “Dinosaur Hill” when a random walk turned out to be a very special find in the world of paleontology. . Julian discovered a 12,000-year-old piece of tooth that belonged to a mastodon, an elephant-like mammal that roamed the lands of North and Central America.

The ancient fossil found by Julian was similar to the size of a human hand. After the discovery, researchers at the University of Michigan were notified, who then confirmed that the find was indeed an extraordinary addition to their collection of fossil relics.

“I felt something on my foot, and I grabbed it, and it looked a bit like a tooth. At first I thought I was going to be awarded a million dollars for the discovery. So embarrassing now, ”Julian told WDIV, laughing at his innocence. “At first, I really wanted to be an archaeologist. But now I think I’m going to be a paleontologist, ”added Julian.

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According to the Local 4 report, Julian will donate the tooth to the Museum of Paleontologists at the University of Michigan. Museum researchers were delighted to see such a rare find unearthed by a 6-year-old.

Abby Drake, of the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, said, “I’m a little jealous because fossil mining is something I want to do every day. The find is extremely exciting as it is difficult to find a preserved fossil because after death most of the animals are recovered. “

The 16-acre nature reserve, Dinosaur Hill, is a favorite place for parents and children to experience nature up close and explore diverse flora and fauna. “The great thing about nature is that you never know what you are going to find. This may surprise you even if you are not an expert, ”said Amanda Felk, Director of Dinosaur Hill.

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