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"Over The Moon" - Brothers' 'Mammoth' Fossil Find On Isle Of Wight Beach

Two brothers from the Isle of Wight have discovered a giant prehistoric fossil, believed to be from an elephant or mammoth.

Luke and Joe Ferguson say they made the find near Brighstone Beach last Wednesday (January 27).

The fossil, which is around 1m in length, was found sticking out of stones following a storm.

Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, Joe Ferguson said:

"Me and my brother were fossil hunting down the south coast of the island last week, just like any other normal day trying to find dinosaur fossils - but never imagined to come across something so huge.

"We where both over the moon and couldn’t believe it was real. It was such an incredible experience."

After the find, the pair - who have been collecting fossils since they were young - contacted Dinosaur Isle in Sandown.

They spoke to Dr Martin Munt who told them he's 'pretty confident' it is from a straight-tusked elephant or mammoth.

The brothers will have to wait until after lockdown to have the fossil examined.

They say for now it is being preserved on the advise of an expert.

 

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