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The San Pedro Mountains Mummy

The Mystery of the San Pedro Mountains Mummy

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In June 1934, two gold prospectors, who had been digging and blasting for gold within the San Pedro Mountains in Wyoming, came across a small cavern buried deep within the thick rock. When the dust began to settle, the prospectors made a startling discovery – the well-preserved, but long-forgotten, remains of a tiny human.

The origins of this little human were a mystery. Local Native American tribes were known to tell stories of legendary “tiny people,” “little spirits”, or the Nimeriga. In some of these stories, the small people had magical powers, or healing powers. In other stories, they were a vicious tribe who attacked the Native Americans with poisoned arrows.

The discovery of the mummified remains drew much attention to the area, eliciting many questions, and creating controversy. There were many who doubted the veracity of the prospectors’ story, believing the remains to be fabricated, and the story a hoax. Scientists flocked to the area, all with a deep desire to determine the truth behind the tiny person, nicknamed “Pedro.” With a sitting height of six and ½ inches, and an estimated standing height of fourteen inches, it was clear that these were no ordinary remains.

The scientists conducted extensive testing on Pedro. First, they reviewed the outward physical evidence. Pedro was found in a sitting position, cross-legged, on a small ledge within what appeared to be a man-made cave. With bulging eyes and a flattened cranium, Pedro was extremely well preserved – so much so that even his fingernails were visible. A gelatinous substance covered Pedro’s head, and it became clear that liquids had been used to preserve the body. His nose was flattened, he had a full set of teeth, and his skin was brown and wrinkled, creating the appearance of an old man.

Photos and x-ray of the San Pedro Mummy

Photos and x-ray of the San Pedro Mummy. Image source: Wikipedia

In the years following the discovery of Pedro, scientists conducted more invasive testing, utilizing x-rays to try to unlock the mystery. Several anthropologists initially concluded that the remains were those of an infant, likely born prematurely, or who died shortly after birth. This, however, is an area of disagreement, as a second body of scientists believe the remains to be those of an adult, possibly 16-65 years in age. It has been said that x-rays revealed sharp teeth, and the presence of food in the stomach that appeared to be raw meat. The x-rays also suggested that Pedro had suffered a violent death, showing broken bones, a damaged spine, and damage to the skull.

The discovery of the mummified remains led to significant speculation that the remains were a hoax. The presence of the gelatinous substance on Pedro’s head led some to believe that the remains were actually those of a deceased infant, recovered from a medical facility, or that the prospectors had created the remains using a crude form of taxidermy. However, others maintained the remains were evidence of a Leprechaun-like race, like those mentioned in the legends of the local indigenous people, or evidence of an extra-terrestrial being. It was difficult for many to fathom that a human of such tiny stature could possibly be an adult.

While modern testing could provide many more answers about the origins of Pedro, such testing is not possible because the location of the remains has been unknown for several years. It is said that the remains were put on display during sideshows in the 1940s, and were then purchased by a man named Ivan Goodman. Upon Goodman’s death in 1950, the remains passed to a man named Leonard Waller (sometimes reported as Walder). The remains have not been seen since.

With the remains nowhere to be found, the mysteries of Pedro linger to this day. Most scientists agree that Pedro’s remains were those of an adult male human. However, modern testing could have answered so many additional questions like where he came from, whether he suffered any diseases or congenital conditions, what the gelatinous substance was, and how his remains come to be sealed within a thick layer of rock.  The answers to these questions, and many others, are likely to remain unanswered unless the remains can be located and further tested. Until then, scientists and enthusiasts can only speculate about who or what he was.

Featured image: Bob David holds the Pedro Mountain mummy, about 1950. Casper College Western History Center. Image source: Wyohistory

By M R Reese

References:

Little People and the Pedro Mountain Mummy – Legends of America

The Pedro Mountain Mummy – Wyohistory

The Mysterious Pedro Mountain Mummy – Atlas Obscura

The Lost Remains of the Pedro Mountain Mummy – Strange Remains

 

Comments

IJ Brown's picture

The squashed skull is one huge clue that this is a newly born human as they do not have fully developed skull bones. Even though we all know this but choose to want to see something else. It might turn up somewhere and can be tested but my first guess is it died or was dropped on its head, (hence the bulging eyes) and they deposited it in the cave to hide it. The second explanation, and the most probable, is this child had anencephaly. This is the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp that occurs during embryonic development. Look it up. These children have the appearance of an adult in structure. They parents or tribe may have seen this as an ill omen and hid it away.

Hi All,

I remember watching an episode of Unsolved Mysteries when they brought this little Mummy up. The best thing with Unsolved Mysteries is that they explore both sides of the story.

Such as listening to witnesses who saw this mummy, held this mummy in their own hands, modern scientist who felt just an infant that died at birth other scientists that tested its vitality with varying degrees lab experiments.

From my standpoint the mummy looks real too me.

I guess the question to asks is why science is afraid of the possibility surrounding the existence of Little People known by the Indigenous Tribes as "Nimeriga", "Tiny People", "Little Spirit's"?

Right there is proof that these Race of Little Spirit's existed and still they deny it.

Can't wait for the reaction to a Giant that was Mummified.

That's as long it doesn't suddenly get up and walk, The Indigenous Tribes said they were Cannibals; reason enough to be wary.

This is what I think of The San Pedro Mountain Mummy.

Also, science may want to add The Idea of Wasn't looking for it, and I've made an awesome discovery by happen stance.

Well this is where I leave the discussion so Happy New Year everybody, I certainly hope everybody had a Happy Holiday whichever one was observe, I mean who isn't ready to say so long 2020? So until next time Everyone, Goodbye!

its a leppy i see them all the time after a few shots of Jameson

Pointed teeth are seen in congential syphillis, thus not in an infant.

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M R Reese

M R Reese is a writer and researcher with a passion for unlocking the mysteries of ancient civilizations. She believes that only by understanding where we come from, can we truly understand our life path and purpose. She has earned... Read More

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