Expert: Ralph Salier - 11/11/2009

Question
QUESTION: How can I find a local archaeologist to investigate a series of fossilized bones.  The bones are protruding from a clay bed and seem to cove an area of 20 ft.  They are at waters edge and are only visible in the winter at low lake level.
The local universities were my first choice, but to no avail.

J P


ANSWER: Hi Jim,

Are these bones fossilized?  If so then what you need is a Paleontologist, a fossil person.  An archaeologist studies human societies and the remains of those societies and the bones of humans vs. dinos.  If you tell me where this is located I will be more then happy to direct you to the right person to do the work.  I greatly appreciate you making the professional community aware of the site.  It is through the help of amateurs like you that we find important sites and finds like this.

So, I await information as to the location and I will let you know who to contact.

Ralph

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  Hi Ralph
Thanx for your prompt reply.  The fossilized bones are located on the southeast shore of lake Logan Martin, 10 miles southeast of the city of Pell City, Alabama.

Thanx Again
Jim

Answer
Hi Jim

The University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa has a paleontologist who is interested in helping you out.

His name is Dr. Perez and his phone number is 205-348-8382.  He is expecting your call.  You can use my name (Ralph Salier) with Dr. Perez.  

They have a museum on campus with a vertebrate expert who may also be involved in taking a look at these bones.  

Please let me know how it all turns out.  Good Luck.

Ralph