During an exceptionally hot and dry summer in Texas, volunteers stumbled upon a remarkable discovery: a collection of new massive dinosaur tracks dating back approximately 110mn years. The find was made at Dinosaur Valley State Park, located about an hour and a half south of Dallas, which is renowned for its sauropod and theropod dinosaur tracks from roughly 113mn years ago, CNN reports.
As water levels dropped due to the ongoing drought in Texas, more of this ancient history became visible. The relentless dry spell has plagued parts of the state since June, with over a third of Texas currently experiencing extreme drought conditions.
Paul Baker, the retail manager at Dinosaur Valley State Park, expressed astonishment at the number of dinosaur tracks uncovered. He described the discovery as akin to a treasure hunt, noting that the recent droughts and the diligent efforts of volunteers had revealed these astonishing traces.
The newfound tracks were identified as likely belonging to two theropod species: Acrocanthosaurus, weighing up to 7 tons, and Sauropodseiden (Paluxysaurus), which reached an impressive 44 tons.
However, it's essential to clarify that the drought doesn't magically reveal perfectly preserved tracks. Even when the riverbed is dry, the tracks are typically buried under layers of gravel, sand, and dried mud. Teams of dedicated volunteers, including members of the Dallas Paleontological Society, Master Naturalists, and Friends of Dinosaur Valley State Park, invest significant time and effort in painstakingly removing sediment to unveil these tracks.
Despite the excitement of discovering this paleontological treasure, experts caution that the ongoing drought and record-high temperatures should not be underestimated. Many, like Paul Baker, miss the beauty of the Paluxy River, which has now been drained due to the drought. This discovery provides a glimpse into the past, but it doesn't diminish the environmental challenges brought on by the severe weather conditions.
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