GORNO-ALTAISK, March 13 (RIA Novosti) - A horn fragment of a buffalo or perhaps another unknown prehistoric animal that died some 18,000 years ago has been found in Russia’s south Siberian republic of Gorny Altai, the republic’s government said on Wednesday.

It was discovered several days ago in a sand and gravel pit in the republic’s northwestern Maimin district.

Experts believe the prehistoric animal could have been killed by a huge flood about 18,000 years ago, when a large lake in the Chui Steppe overflew its banks.

“That caused the most massive flood in history, with water moving at a speed of 160 kilometers (99 miles) an hour and covering earth with 490 meters (1,607 feet) of water,” the government said in a report posted on its website.

After a thorough examination, the discovery will be handed over to one of the republic’s museums, the government said.

Remains of extinct animals have previously been found in Altai. In the fall of 2012, mammoth tusks were discovered near the village of Maima, at a depth of over 10 meters (32.8 feet). Mammoths died out about 10,000 years ago during the last ice age.