'Ancient' jaw bone discovered in northern Minnesota

THOMASTOWN TOWNSHIP, Minn. - Deputies say test results have determined a human jaw bone found in northern Minnesota over the summer is considered "ancient."

According to the Wadena County Sheriff's Office, the mandible was among four bones discovered on July 31 in Thomastown Township in the Crow Wing River, about 30 miles west of Brainerd, Minnesota.

The bones were reported by a group out for a day on the river and collected by deputies.

The bones were taken to the Midwest Medical Examiner's  Office for further examination. The medical examiner determined the bones were very old and "ancient." However, the sheriff's office did not give an exact age of the bones.

The investigation into the mandible is now closed but it will now go for further archaeological evaluation before interment.