Jacksonville Resident Discovers Rare Fossil in BackyardJacksonville Resident Discovers Rare Fossil in Backyard A Jacksonville resident made an extraordinary discovery in their own backyard recently when they unearthed a rare fossil believed to be millions of years old. The homeowner, who wishes to remain anonymous, was digging in their garden when they stumbled upon a large, fossilized bone. They initially thought it was an animal bone, but upon closer examination, they realized it was something much more significant. The fossil was identified by experts at the Florida Museum of Natural History as a vertebra from a prehistoric whale. The whale, known as a bryde’s whale, lived approximately 10 million years ago during the Miocene Epoch. “This is an incredibly rare find,” said Dr. Emily Marquez, a paleontologist at the museum. “Bryde’s whales are not commonly found as fossils, and this specimen is in excellent condition.” The vertebra, which is about 12 inches in diameter, shows signs of wear and tear that indicate the whale was an adult when it died. It is believed that the whale washed ashore after dying and that the bone was preserved in the sediment over time. The discovery has sparked excitement among paleontologists as it provides valuable insights into the ancient marine ecosystem that existed in the Jacksonville area millions of years ago. “This fossil helps us understand the diversity and abundance of marine life during the Miocene Epoch,” said Dr. Marquez. The homeowner plans to donate the fossil to the Florida Museum of Natural History, where it will be added to the museum’s collection and used for research and educational purposes. “I can’t believe I found something so amazing in my own backyard,” said the homeowner. “I’m honored to be able to share it with the world.”