Fossil Tapir Jaw with Two Teeth

Heavily mineralized and sold jaw with two intact teeth from the Pleistocene of a north Florida river.  No repair or restoration. 

Fossil tapirs in Florida provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s prehistoric ecosystem. Tapirs are large, browsing herbivores resembling a mix between a horse and a rhinoceros. They have inhabited various parts of the world for millions of years, including North America.

The fossil record of tapirs in Florida dates back to the Miocene epoch, around 23 to 5.3 million years ago. During this period, the region was characterized by warm, subtropical climates with abundant forests and wetlands, providing an ideal habitat for tapirs.

Several species of tapirs have been identified from Florida’s fossil deposits, including Tapirus polkensis, one of the smallest and oldest known species. Fossils of Tapirus veroensis, a larger species, have been found in Pleistocene deposits, dating to around 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. These fossils have been discovered in various locations across the state, such as the famous Vero Beach site.

The presence of tapir fossils in Florida indicates that these animals were once widespread in the region, thriving in the lush, forested environments. Their decline in North America is believed to be linked to climatic changes and human activity towards the end of the Pleistocene epoch.

Today, the study of fossil tapirs in Florida continues to provide valuable insights into the state’s ancient environments and the evolutionary history of these unique mammals.

Tapirus veroensis

Pleistocene

Florida River

11 1/2" long