How to Collect Dinosaur Fossils

Contrary to the antics of Fred Flintstone and company, no human ever employed a wooly mammoth as an automatic dishwasher or enjoyed a Brontosaurus Burger during a backyward barbeque. In fact, the span between the time the genus Homo and the last of the great dinosaurs roamed the earth is separated by more than 60 million years. However, more than one dinosaur has left its footprint for modern man to find. If you're a budding paleontologist, then you should know how to find and collect dinosaur fossils.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Appropriate tools, such as a soft brush and rock hammer or pick
• Camera (optional)
• Bags or envelopes for fossil collection

Learn How to Collect Dinosaur Fossils

1. Obtain permission to scout private land, or find out if you need a permit of some kind to collect fossils from public land in your state.

2. Practice paleontology etiquette. Do not litter, damage the environment or deplete a site of all of its fossils.

3. Look over the site carefully before you begin digging. Sometimes, you can get lucky and find a fossil on the ground or in plain sight.

4. Chisel or dig rock formations slowly, just a fraction of an inch at a time. Fossils are often found buried between layers of rock deposits, each of which can represent several thousand years in the making. However, depending on the region you're exploring, seismic activity or water erosion can strip away upper layers of rock and bring ancient layers to the surface. Limestone deposits, in particular, easily capture fossils in their beds.

5. Refer to a topographical map of the area to determine what type of ground you're dealing with. You can obtain maps from the the U.S. Geological Survey (see Resources below).

6. Collect any fossils you may find in paper bags, or wrap them in acid-free paper. Avoid using plastic bags, since these can trap oils from your hands.

7. Report a major find immediately to your regional paleontological society, a natural history museum or university. Make every effort to preserve the integrity of the site until professional assistance arrives.

Tips & Warnings

• Always bring a pen and notebook along on your expeditions so that you can record the date and exact location of your discovery.
• If your fossil-finding excursion takes you far from the beaten path, then it's a good idea to bring some food, water, sunscreen, basic first aid supplies and perhaps a map.
• Photographing a dinosaur fossil where it was found is always a good idea, especially if it's too large to transport by yourself. That way, you'll be able to reserve credit for the find if it becomes necessary to involve other parties.

Resources

• Order maps published by the U.S. Geological Survey