Scientists found a 2,865-pound predator from before dinosaurs ruled Earth

Scientists found a 1,300 kg (2,865 lb) fossilized skeleton of a Mastodonsaurus, a large amphibian from 240 million years ago, in southern Poland.

Over 2,000 public volunteers are cleaning the fossil in a glass-walled lab at Warsaw's Copernicus Science Centre using air-powered chisels and ultraviolet light.

The Mastodonsaurus lived during the Middle Triassic period, before dinosaurs ruled Earth, and is one of the largest known amphibians.

Volunteers, including managers, cleaners, and tattoo artists, work in supervised two-hour sessions; the skeleton is expected to be displayed by October or November.