​

By Timmer Verhaegh

​

When you look at this Bison latifrons skull, you see the advancements in paleontology and the  ongoing struggle to decipher the mysteries found within history. Mary Lou was found in 1954 along the American Falls Reservoir by Mary Kitaj and Louis Dellaporte. Mary Lou is among the finest skulls ever discovered of the ancient species. In the nearly seven decades since its discovery many technological advances have allowed scientists to learn more about Bison latifrons and the world they lived in here in Southern Idaho. Unlike modern day buffalo, Bison latifrons were likely woodland animals that lived isolated from one another in contrast to the more recent American buffalo which were grassland, herd animals that covered the plains during the early United States. Bison latifrons averaged a height of 8', length of 15', weight of 4800 lbs., and a distance of around 7'-9' between the tips of the horns.

​

A common struggle for museums and researchers is the fact that new information can come along to disprove the theories and stories that were previously believed to be true. Small misconceptions and errors in storytelling can grow into legends. Much like unearthing the fossils in the first place, researchers have to unearth the truth from the fiction in all the oral and written histories of a specimen. Mary Lou and Bison latifrons are no exception. Speculation about this specimen and the entire species have been proved wrong as technology has become more advanced and as researchers have become better at deciphering the truth.

​

​