In the dry, rocky lands of southern Webb County—about ten miles south of Zapata County along the Rio Grande River—a remarkable discovery. While examining the dirt fields near the highway, we stumbled upon what appears to be a fossilized skull, possibly 30 million years old (dating back to the Oligocene epoch). In collaboration with a Laredo dentist, and local experts, we’ve begun piecing together the story behind this intriguing find.

High-Resolution Images

Below, you’ll find a gallery of 49 images showing the fossil from multiple angles. Photos include a green ruler or other size references, giving a clear sense of its dimensions and anatomical features.

Discovery & Initial Observations

Location: Southern Webb County, near the Rio Grande River, about 10 miles south of Zapata County.
Environment: Dry, rocky dirt field on the surface—no significant digging was required.
Immediate Clues: Dr. Rolando A. Guerra (a dentist), observed anatomical features suggestive of a primate skull:
- A maxillary right incisor or cuspid visible in the jaw region.
- A distinct periodontal ligament space around the tooth.
- Facial structures resembling a primate’s zygomatic arch, infraorbital notches, and eye orbits.

Expert Impressions

Dr. Guerra’s Analysis (Biologist)
- Identified smaller, closely spaced eye orbits typical of certain primates.
- Highlighted that the skull’s proportions differ from humans, suggesting a monkey-like ancestor.
Dr. Bennet (TAMIU Geologist)
- Provided preliminary confirmation of fossilization, noting the mineralized composition of the specimen.
Further Verification
- We plan to consult additional experts at UT Austin and have also reached out to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas for their evaluation.

3D Model

For an even closer look, check out this interactive 3D scan of the fossil on Sketchfab. Feel free to rotate, zoom, and inspect every nook and cranny:

View the 3D Model on Sketchfab

30-Million-Year-Old Primate Skull from Texas by EFUGY on Sketchfab

Video Overview

Curious about the story behind this potential Oligocene-era primate skull? Watch our detailed video on YouTube, where we discuss key anatomical features, scientific implications, and next steps for verifying this fossil:

Rare 30 Million-Year-Old Primate Skull Discovered in Texas – Detailed Fossil Analysis

My Note to the Perot Museum

Dear Perot Museum Team,
I am fascinated by this fossil and would greatly appreciate any guidance or identification help you can offer. My father, a dentist from Laredo, Texas, recognized key dental and facial structures, including a possible cuspid and periodontal ligament space. We are eager to hear your expert opinion on the specimen’s age, species, and scientific significance.
Should you need any additional information or further documentation beyond the images, 3D model, or video provided here, please let me know.
Very respectfully,
Rolando R. Guerra

Next Steps & Acknowledgments

Further Authentication

A trip to UT Austin is planned for advanced testing and professional input.
We welcome feedback from other paleontologists, geologists, or fossil enthusiasts.

Gratitude & Thanks

Dr. Guerra (Biologist) and Dr. Bennet (TAMIU Geologist) for their initial insights.
Friends, family, and local community for their support and curiosity.

Join the Conversation

Have thoughts or expertise to share? Please leave a comment below or reach out via [Email/Contact Form].
We’ll post updates as more information becomes available, especially once we’ve consulted with additional experts.

Thank you for reading—and for helping us unearth the hidden stories buried in Texas’s rich geological history!

References & Additional Resources

Disclaimer:
I’m not a professional paleontologist, so all conclusions here are preliminary. Proper scientific study and peer review will provide a more definitive understanding of the specimen’s significance.

A Fascinating Fossil Discovery in Webb County, Texas