There is no credible evidence to suggest that mammoth tusks have been found in the Hudson River. The search for these prehistoric remains has actually been focused on the East River in New York City, sparked by a claim made on the Joe Rogan podcast. However, the American Museum of Natural History has denied any record of dumping fossils in the East River, and the story remains unsubstantiated.
What is the Claim about Hudson River Mammoth Tusks?

The claim about mammoth tusks being dumped in the Hudson River originated from a guest on the Joe Rogan podcast, John Reeves. Reeves stated that a boxcar’s worth of prehistoric mammoth bones was dumped in the East River in the 1940s. This sparked a treasure hunt among divers and fossil enthusiasts, who have been searching the East River for these elusive remains.
Is there Evidence to Support the Claim?
Despite the excitement surrounding the potential discovery of mammoth tusks, there is a lack of concrete evidence to support the claim. The American Museum of Natural History has denied any record of dumping fossils in the East River, and the story is based on a draft report by the late anthropologist Richard Osborne, who died in 2005.
What are the Challenges in the Search for Mammoth Tusks?
The search for mammoth tusks in the East River has been a challenging endeavor. The river’s poor visibility, with only about a foot of visibility on a good day, and strong currents at the bottom, make it difficult for treasure hunters to navigate and locate any potential fossils. Additionally, the lack of historical records and the passage of time since the alleged dumping event make it challenging to pinpoint the exact location of the supposed mammoth remains.
Who is Searching for the Mammoth Tusks?
Several groups of treasure hunters have been searching the East River for mammoth tusks since early January 2023. These groups have been using boats, diving gear, and remote-operated cameras to scour the river bed in hopes of uncovering the elusive fossils.
What is the Current Status of the Search?
As of the latest reports, no confirmed mammoth tusks have been found in the East River. The search continues, with treasure hunters determined to uncover the truth behind the claim and potentially uncover a significant paleontological discovery.
Conclusion
In summary, the claim of mammoth tusks being dumped in the Hudson River appears to be unfounded. The search for these prehistoric remains has been focused on the East River in New York City, but the lack of evidence and the challenges of the search have made it difficult to verify the claim. While the search continues, it is important to approach this story with a critical eye and to rely on credible sources and scientific evidence when it comes to matters of paleontology and historical record.
Reference:
1. CBS News: “Treasure hunters search NYC’s East River after claim that mammoth bones were dumped there in the 1940s” – https://www.cbsnews.com/news/treasure-hunters-east-river-nyc-claim-mammoth-bones-1940s-joe-rogan-podcast/
2. The New York Times: “Mammoth Tusks in the East River? How Joe Rogan Started a ‘Bone Rush'” – https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/27/nyregion/joe-rogan-mammoth-tusks-east-river.html
3. The Guardian: “Treasure hunters dive for mammoth bones in New York’s East River after Joe Rogan podcast” – https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jan/15/treasure-hunters-dive-mammoth-bones-new-york-east-river-joe-rogan.