Explosive Discovery: Dog in Florida Unearths Decades-Old Military Bomb Buried in Backyard

A canine companion unexpectedly stumbled upon a relic of the past in Florida: a military bomb.

The discovery prompted a swift response from local authorities, resulting in the evacuation of nearby residences while a specialized bomb squad ensured the safe removal of the ordnance, WJAX-TV reported.

The tale began when Mathew Sims' faithful dog, known affectionately as "Baby," was frolicking in the backyard recently.

During her escapades, Baby unearthed what Sims described as a "metallic object" nestled next to the garage. Upon closer inspection, Sims saw it was a munition and slowly put it back in place.

Reflecting on the moment, Sims recounted his initial reaction, admitting to a brief moment of panic before carefully handling the find. "You couldn’t tell what it was until you started pulling it up. Once I got it halfway out, I was like oh, I know what this is, let me gently put this back down," Sims shared with WJAX-TV.

Describing the object as approximately a foot in length and weighing around 10 pounds, Sims noted its burial depth of at least six inches, with a portion protruding from the ground.

Recognizing the potential danger, Sims promptly alerted the Jacksonville police, prompting a response from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

According to a police report obtained by The Miami Herald, the sheriff’s office dispatched the bomb squad to address the unexploded military ordnance discovered in a residential backyard.

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Prior to the bomb squad's arrival, precautionary measures were taken to evacuate residents from the vicinity. Witnessing the scene unfold, neighbor Carla Smith expressed intrigue rather than fear, remarking, "We just watched. I wasn’t scared because I’ve been around people who have found artifacts in the land. To me, it was interesting to watch. They did their thing, and they were out of here in minutes."

Grateful for the safe resolution, Sims expressed relief that he and Baby stumbled upon the munition, which was subsequently removed without incident. The precise origins of the bomb remain shrouded in mystery, leaving authorities to ponder its historical context and significance.