Dinosaur Track the Size of a Soccer Field Discovered in Alaska

The dinosaur track at Denali National ParkPhoto byDustin Stewart et l

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have uncovered a 70-million-year-old dinosaur track site in Alaska, spanning an area the size of a soccer field.

This remarkable find, named "The Coliseum" by the researchers, has been described as "beautiful" and is now the largest single dinosaur track site in the state of Alaska.

Situated within the Denali National Park and Preserve, the Coliseum provides a glimpse into the prehistoric past of interior Alaska during the late Cretaceous period, approximately 145 to 66 million years ago, just prior to the extinction of dinosaurs.

The findings of this discovery have been published in the journal Historical Biology.

"It’s not just one level of rock with tracks on it. It is a sequence through time. Up until now, Denali had other track sites that are known, but nothing of this magnitude."Dustin Stewart, researcher, University of Alaska

During the late Cretaceous period, Denali boasted a river system and significantly warmer temperatures, estimated at around 10°C, compared to the modern average of -2.2°C.

Because of continental drift, Denali was located further north at that time, though not a tropical paradise, with regions supporting permafrost and ice fields.

The Coliseum site showcases a diverse array of dinosaur footprints, ranging from juvenile to adult specimens. These tracks provide insights into the ancient inhabitants of the region, including hadrosaurs, horned dinosaurs, tyrannosaurs, raptors, and small wading birds.

Dr. Pat Druckenmiller, senior author and director of the University of Alaska Museum of the North, described the tracks as "beautiful," allowing scientists to discern details like the shape of the toes and skin texture of these long-extinct creatures.

In addition to the dinosaur tracks, the research team unearthed fossilized plants, pollen grains, and evidence of freshwater shellfish and invertebrates, offering a comprehensive view of the prehistoric ecosystem.

Preservation of The Coliseum is a top priority for the National Park Service, aiming to safeguard this world-class fossil site from disturbance and theft.

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