How do archeologists move big boulders while they are digging?
--Matt, Age 8, Sarasota, Florida

Dr. dig responds:
Moving big boulders and other big things out of the way so archaeologists can dig underneath is a BIG problem. Heavy machinery and cranes are often brought in to lift the big stuff, but only when everyone is sure that no one will get hurt and that nothing will get damaged in the process. It can be worrisome to see heavy machinery on a dig that is being carefully excavated, but good operators can maneuver their machines like dancers and the cranes they operate can lift heavy artifacts as gently as a mother tiger can carry her cubs.

In this case, as the bones are in your yard, are not part of a wider archaeological site, and are old, excavation is acceptable as long as you have permission to dig. You should mark out an excavation area around the bones, using string and pins. This will help you to plan. Dig with a pointed archaeological trowel, carefully saving all pieces of bone in labeled bags. You should draw plans as you work, and should take photographs, recording your work in a field logbook. When all the bones have been found, you should take them for expert analysis. Good luck!