A bomb squad safely disposed of the round, which had not been fired and still had the fusing mechanism intact.

A Maryland couple working in their garden unearthed a WWI-era 36 MKI projectile on Tuesday, June 16. 

Kelly and Shannon Thomas of Harford County discovered the ordnance, let it sit overnight, and then contacted the sheriff's office on Wednesday for assistance.

A bomb squad from the Maryland State Fire Marshal came out to examine the round and determined that the round was still live, with the fusing mechanism intact. The bomb technicians were able to safely dispose of it while on the scene.

These types of findings are not uncommon in Maryland, especially along the shore after heavy rain. Since this particular ordnance was found inland, it is believed to have been hidden within a load of dirt that was, at some point, relocated from the nearby Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), where ammunition has been tested for more than a century. APG is roughly 11 miles from the property in Bel Air where the round was found.

It's important to remember that these types of military projectiles "pose the same threat as the day they were originally manufactured," the Maryland State Fire Marshal Office media release said.

If you ever come across something like this, you can practice the three R's:

"Recognize that any suspicious objects found should not be touched under any circumstances. Retreat or carefully leave the area. Report immediately what was found and the approximate location to a 911 dispatcher," said Maryland State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci.

What do you think? Have you ever come across an interesting find like this couple? Tell us in the comments!