BLM Law Enforcement Cases: BLM searches for stolen mammoth tusk

In March 2018, a 100-pound mammoth tusk was stolen from Alaska’s Campbell Creek Science Center. BLM law enforcement is actively investigating and asking the public for any information about the theft.

This tusk is one of several that were turned over to BLM law enforcement in the mid-1980’s.  BLM believes the tusks were removed from BLM-managed public lands near the Colville River in northern Alaska.  When the tusks were received by the BLM, BLM Archeologists and Paleontologists estimated that the tusks were approximately 10,000 years old.

A BLM archeologist restored and stabilized the tusks, and they were transferred to several different BLM-managed facilities, including the Campbell Creek Science Center, as educational and interpretive pieces for the public to see and enjoy.

The value of these sorts of tusks and other ivory varies widely based on the condition that it is in.  There are both legitimate and illegitimate markets for ivory and these kids of paleontological artifacts.  Rules and regulations regarding archeological and paleontological are different on state land, private land, and federal land.  On BLM-managed public lands it is illegal to remove or disturb archeological and paleontological resources. It may be legal to remove and/or possess these types of items from state lands or private lands based on state laws and regulations.

If anyone has any information about the stolen tusk, please email [email protected] or call the BLM at 907-271-6622.