Family Uncovers Ancient Turtle Fossil in South Alabama

A family from South Alabama made quite a remarkable find while fishing by the riverbank. They came across a fossilized shell of a leatherback sea turtle that dates back around 32 million years. It’s an impressive specimen, nearly four feet long and three feet wide, and represents a new genus and species, making it one of the most complete fossils of its kind discovered so far.

Adam and Adrian Coleman often enjoy blending fishing trips with fossil hunting, bringing along their children, Tara and Corey. Adam reminisced, saying, “My father had me collect fossils when I was a child. Now, we’re looking for them every time we’re in the river.”

During an outing in 2021, the family stumbled upon a massive dome-shaped object buried in limestone. Adrian remarked, “I’ve never seen anything like that.” Unsure of its significance at the time, the Colemans returned periodically, keeping the allure of their find to themselves.

A year later, Adam reached out to Dr. Andrew Gentry, a paleontologist based in South Alabama, about the discovery. Upon examining the fossil, Dr. Gentry was almost in disbelief, stating, “When I first saw the fossil, it was hard to believe what I was seeing. It was absolutely breathtaking.”

Dr. Gentry noted that leatherback turtles are quite rare because their shells consist of small bones that break down soon after death, making intact fossilized shells even rarer. Recognizing the importance of this find, he collaborated with Jun Eversole at the McWorn Science Center, assembling a team of scientists from across Alabama and beyond to recover and study the fossil.

The research determined the fossil originated from approximately 32 million years ago, leading to the naming of a new genus and species: Ueloca Colemanorum. “Ueloca” combines words from the Muscogee language, signifying “water turtle,” a selection influenced by input from Calvin McGee of the Porch Creek Indians’ Cultural Department.

Samantha Martin, the Creek Language Coordinator, expressed her excitement about the recognition of Muscogee language, saying, “This is the first fossil to list the name of Muscogee, and it’s exciting to see our language recognized in this way.” She acknowledged Dr. Gentry and Dr. Marcus Briggs Cloud for their inclusion of tribal voices in this project.

The name “Colemanorum” honors the Coleman family’s contributions to the discovery and restoration efforts of the fossil. Eversole remarked, “This is truly a monumental fossil. Samples like this highlight why Alabama is quickly becoming a globally recognized hotspot for its fossil diversity.”

Scientists believe Ueloca offers significant insights into the evolution of modern leatherback turtles. Dr. Gentry indicated that the preservation of this fossil allows for important comparisons with others worldwide, pointing out that two different groups of leatherbacks existed in the past, with only one lineage surviving today. “Ueloca has helped promote an understanding of the history of sea turtles, but there are still many questions left unanswered,” he added.

The fossil is currently on display at the McWorn Science Center in Birmingham, and Dr. Gentry referred to the project as a career highlight. “It doesn’t surprise me at the speed at which paleontology can bring together a diverse group of people into a cohesive team,” he said, concluding that “the thrill of discovery is universal.”

The findings have been published in the journal Paleodiversity, accessible online.