A paleontological discovery has uncovered fossilized footprints as old as 50 million years in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, providing insight into the behaviors of prehistoric animals in what has become central and eastern Oregon.
With the use of advanced 3D imaging techniques, a group of scientists led by fossil track specialist Conner Bennett were able to identify and analyze four sets of vertebrate trace fossils left behind by prehistoric birds, mammals, lizards, and invertebrates. The research marks the first known fossil tracks of birds and lizards found at the monument, adding behavioral context to the region’s fossil record.
“This prehistoric behavior from 50 million years ago is still prevalent today in modern shorebirds. It’s fascinating. That is an incredibly long time for a species to exhibit the same foraging patterns as its ancestors.” – Conner Bennet
The tracks reveal a series of interesting behaviors and species previously undocumented in the area. 50-39 million year old bird tracks discovered alongside invertebrate trails and beak marks imply that ancient shorebirds foraged in shallow waters much like they do now. Lizard tracks, thought to be approximately 50 million years old, show one very few known reptile trackways from that time period in North America.
A set of paw prints found in a volcanic ash layer from approximately 29 million years ago are believed to be from a nimravid, a bobcat-sized predator, and 29-million-year-old three-toes rounded hoofprints may have been created by a large herbivor like an ancient tapir or rhinoceros.
“These tracks offer a rare window into ancient ecosystems. They add behavioral context to the body fossils we’ve collected over the years and help us better understand the climate and environmental conditions of prehistoric Oregon.” – Dr. Nicholas Famoso, the monument’s paleontology program manager.
From the fossilized tracks, scientists are able to learn not just about what kinds of animals lived in the area but also how they behaved in the area. Lear more through the study “Following their footsteps: Report of vertebrate fossil tracks from John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Oregon, USA.”
