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Dinosaur Bones Emerge From Parking Lot After 100 Years
18 Jan
Summary
- Dinosaur fossils, unseen for a century, were discovered during routine parking lot work.
- The unearthed remains likely belong to a Diplodocus, a long-necked dinosaur species.
- Over 3,000 pounds of fossils were excavated and are now being prepared for display.
A routine parking lot renovation at Dinosaur National Monument has yielded a remarkable paleontological find, with dinosaur fossils unearthed for the first time in more than 100 years. Construction crews discovered the ancient remains in mid-September near the Quarry Exhibit Hall, prompting an immediate halt to work to allow for expert assessment.
The fossils are believed to be from a Diplodocus, a large, long-necked dinosaur whose bones are frequently found in the monument's historic bonebed. Excavation efforts between mid-September and mid-October successfully removed approximately 3,000 pounds of fossils and associated rock. This significant collection is currently being prepared and studied at the Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum in Vernal.
This excavation marks the first time the site has been disturbed for fossil discovery since 1924, following earlier digs by prominent institutions. Some of the newly recovered fossils are already on display at the Quarry Exhibit Hall, also known as the "Wall of Bones," and at the Utah Field House museum, offering visitors a glimpse into prehistoric life.
