Drought Uncovers Okeechobee Artifacts

Looters, treasure hunters -- and hopefully a few archaeologists and anthropologists -- are scurrying to find prehistoric artifacts that emerged in the mud of Lake Okeechobee during the recent drought. The historic drought led to unprecedented low-water levels in the lake. As the Florida lake's footprint shrunk, the mud around its banks revealed artifacts like bone fragments, tools, pottery fragments and pieces of ceremonial jewelry that pre-date the 16th century European exploration by the Spanish. Researchers now are in a race -- against both looters and the weather -- to learn as much as they can about the prehistoric cultures while this rare window of opportunity is open. The excitement surrounding the discoveries is contrasted sharply by the drought's other impacts: dried up golf courses, blazing wildfires and their attendant smoke pollution, choked water supplies and other ills, according to a story in the June 5 South Florida Sun-Sentinel.