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VICTORIA — Evidence of what could be the oldest footprints in North America has been discovered below the shoreline of a remote British Columbia island.

Fossilized human footprints believed to be of a man, woman and child and estimated to be more than 13,000 years old were discovered at Calvert Island, which is located on B.C.’s central coast and is accessible only by boat or float plane.

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Remnants of an ancient campfire were found nearby.

Archeologist Duncan McLaren said radiocarbon dating indicates the charcoal materials are 13,200 years old, and he is preparing to duplicate those tests to confirm the results.

“We’re very excited about it,” he said.

Fossilized human footprints, especially footprints more than 10,000 years old are rare. McLaren said the oldest human footprints in the Americas are 14,500 years old and were found at a site at Chile’s Monte Verde.