Museum officials in Denver made a remarkable discovery in their own parking lot while assessing geothermal heating potential. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science uncovered a fossil bone over 750 feet underground, a rare find from the late Cretaceous period, around 67.5 million years ago. James Hagadorn, the museum’s curator of geology, described the find as ‘super rare,’ comparing it to winning the Willy Wonka factory.
The fossil, believed to be from a small, plant-eating dinosaur, is now on display at the museum. The discovery includes fossilized vegetation and highlights the museum’s unique find, which officials suggest is a surprise. While some scientists find it scientifically less exciting, the find is considered significant as only two similar discoveries have been made worldwide in boreholes. The museum plans to keep the parking lot for its current use, though Hagadorn expressed a desire for deeper excavation if space allowed.
This discovery adds to recent paleontological finds, such as the ‘dinosaur highway’ in England, and underscores the ongoing importance of fossil exploration in understanding prehistoric life. Officials at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science emphasized the significance of the find, noting that it could be the city’s deepest and oldest discovery yet. The fossil’s location in a parking lot rather than a traditional excavation site adds to its uniqueness, making it a focal point for both the museum and the scientific community.
Patrick O’Connor, curator of vertebrate paleontology at the museum, explained that the dinosaur likely lived in a swampy environment with heavy vegetation. The bone’s depth and context provide insights into the region’s geological history and the ecosystem of the late Cretaceous period. Thomas Williamson, curator of paleontology at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, noted that the discovery is surprising but may not hold the same level of scientific excitement as other finds. Nevertheless, the museum plans to continue its geological studies, hoping to uncover more insights related to the area’s prehistoric past.
The discovery has sparked interest among paleontologists and the public, highlighting the intersection between everyday environments and ancient history. As the fossil is now on public display, it serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that can be found in unexpected places, reinforcing the importance of continued exploration and research in the field of paleontology.