February 11, 2025 • 3hr 19min

#2271 - John Reeves

The Joe Rogan Experience

John Reeves is an Alaskan gold miner who discovered an extraordinary collection of Ice Age animal remains on his property. The site, known as "The Boneyard," has yielded thousands of specimens including mammoth, bison, horse, and other prehistoric animal remains. This episode explores the ongoing controversy with museums over the bones, new discoveries at the site, and Reeves' efforts to have the specimens properly studied in Alaska.

#2271 - John Reeves

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Key Takeaways

John Reeves recently recovered from double pneumonia which led him to finally quit smoking after 50+ years
The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) took possession of thousands of Ice Age animal bones and artifacts from Reeves' property in Alaska but has failed to properly study or document them
AMNH dumped approximately 50 tons of bones in the East River in New York in the 1940s rather than properly preserving them
Reeves has discovered remains of animals not previously thought to exist in Alaska, including saber-tooth tigers and dire wolves
The 2.1 acre "boneyard" site contains bones dating from 12,000 to 40,000 years old, suggesting multiple extinction events
Reeves wants the bones returned to Alaska where he has offered to build a research facility for proper scientific study

Introduction

John Reeves is an Alaskan gold miner who discovered an extraordinary collection of Ice Age animal remains on his property. The site, known as "The Boneyard," has yielded thousands of specimens including mammoth, bison, horse, and other prehistoric animal remains. This episode explores the ongoing controversy with museums over the bones, new discoveries at the site, and Reeves' efforts to have the specimens properly studied in Alaska.

Topics Discussed

Recent Health Issues and Quitting Smoking (00:02)

Reeves recently spent 5 days in hospital with double pneumonia
The experience led him to quit smoking after 50+ years
"He says you need to quit smoking. I did, went to the hospital, was in there for almost five days. And I haven't been in a hospital in a while," - John Reeves
Already experiencing improved breathing and less coughing since quitting

The Boneyard Site Discovery and Significance (39:20)

Site is only 2.1 acres but contains thousands of Ice Age specimens
Bones date from 12,000 to 40,000 years old
Has discovered remains of animals not previously known to exist in Alaska:
- Saber-tooth tigers
- Dire wolves
- Elk
- Cave lions
Evidence suggests multiple extinction events occurred at the site

Controversy with American Museum of Natural History (1:02:20)

AMNH took possession of thousands of specimens but failed to properly study them
Museum dumped approximately 50 tons of bones in the East River in the 1940s
Many specimens remain unopened in crates in AMNH basement
"They were required in the original deal to do a report on every bone they took...None of the bones they took have scientific value primarily because they don't know where they found them" - John Reeves
Reeves has documentation of exact locations where specimens were found

Evidence of Human Activity (1:23:45)

Found mammoth bones with spear points embedded in them
Discovered 25,000-year-old tool made from mammoth bone
Reeves believes humans may have lived alongside and possibly domesticated mammoths
Found multiple spear points and evidence of human hunting

Current Status and Future Plans (1:45:20)

Alaska State Legislature now involved in efforts to have bones returned
Reeves has offered to build research facility in Alaska for proper study
Will not allow specimens to leave Alaska again due to past experiences
Continues mining operations while preserving bones for future study
"The bones ain't going anywhere. If the timing ain't right, the timing ain't right" - John Reeves

Artifacts and Collections (2:15:30)

Makes guitar picks and jewelry from fragments of mammoth ivory
Has found complete cave lion skulls and other rare specimens
Maintains extensive documentation of all discoveries
Will not sell specimens but occasionally gives items as gifts
Focuses on preservation rather than profit

Conclusion

The episode highlights the extraordinary archaeological significance of the Boneyard site in Alaska and the ongoing challenges of ensuring proper scientific study of the specimens. John Reeves continues to advocate for the return of specimens from AMNH while maintaining careful documentation of new discoveries. His commitment to preservation and proper research stands in stark contrast to the historical mishandling of these important artifacts by major institutions.