Vertebrate Paleontology

The Vertebrate Paleontology collection houses the most complete example of the extinct Giant Beaver (Casteroides ohioensis). The specimen was recovered by our Founder, Joseph Moore, in 1889.

As you explore more on Giant Beavers, watch Museum Director, Dr. Heather Lerner’s presentation on Studying Ancient Behavior with Giant Beaver DNA.

You can also read Joseph Moore’s report on finding the specimen in a report published by the Cincinnati Natural Society of Natural History in 1890.

Concerning a Skeleton of The Great Fossil Beaver