It is the first discovery of its kind within the 195,000-acre conservation area. It’s mind-boggling,' said Tim Wakefield, filed manager for the U.S. 'They step down, the ripples go out, and it stays there for 180 or 190 million years. Researchers confirmed the find during a field trip to the site just before the start of an international paleontology conference held in Las Vegas early this month.Īt least one of the three-toed prints is ringed with what looks like ripples caused when the animal’s foot splashed down in the mud.
The footprints were found in early September by some regular visitors to Red Rock who also volunteer at the conservation area. Officials at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area have confirmed the discovery of dinosaur footprints and other tracks laid down roughly 190 million years ago. Where the creature was headed and why has been lost forever down the well of geologic time, but its muddy footprints march on in a block of sandstone 25 miles from the Strip. In a sea of dunes stretching to the horizon, a dinosaur the size of a Doberman strode through wet sand that squished between its talon-tipped toes.
