Dinosaur fossil found underneath a Denver museum’s parking lot

Paleontologists found a dinosaur vertebra in the parking lot of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Dinosaur fossil discovered beneath Denver museum parking lot

Scientists at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science uncovered a dinosaur vertebra while drilling to obtain rock samples in their parking lot. This rare 67 million-year-old fossil, discovered in January and announced on July 9, belongs to an herbivorous bipedal dinosaur known as an ornithopod. Found about 760 feet underground, it is the oldest fossil ever found in Denver. While the fossil is too incomplete to identify its species, it suggests that similar dinosaurs once inhabited the area. Further analysis of the rock core may yield more fossils despite the team's emphasis on not excavating the parking lot.

The discovery of a dinosaur fossil in an urban setting like Denver showcases the rich paleontological potential of metropolitan areas. As urban development continues, studying these sites can reveal untapped fossil resources. Experts believe that with advances in technology and methods, it is now possible to locate fossils even in places that seem unlikely. This find also emphasizes the importance of integrating geological studies with urban planning.

Highlights

This discovery could change how we approach paleontological studies in urban environments.