70-million-year-old teeth fossils of mosasaurus found in mail from US

Mosasaurus fossils. [Photo: Nanjing Morning News]

(ECNS) -- More than 200 teeth fossils of a genus of creature living around 70 million–66 million years ago have been captured from two pieces of mail from the United States in East China's Jiangsu province, a local newspaper said.

The Suzhou entry-exit inspection and quarantine bureau found the fossils while inspecting two pieces of mail from the US, and then confirmed that they belong to Mosasaurus, an ancient genus of creature.

The genus existed during the Cretaceous period (Mesozoic era), around 70 million–66 million years ago. It resembles flippered crocodiles, with elongated heavy jaws, and lived near the ocean surface.

Mosasaurus fossils are captured in China for the first time.

China forbids any individuals and organizations from importing fossils without permission from customs. The case has been transferred to local customs.