Paleontology
Over the millenniums, hundreds of animal species have lived in South Dakota. They unknowingly left behind hints of their presence which have interested history buffs and paleontologists for centuries.
Several museums in the region showcase the findings. Some attractions even offer limited opportunities to help dig up fossils.
At the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, researchers have found over 109 tusks, accounting for at least 55 mammoths, which along with 37 other species of Ice Age animals, apparently died in this ancient spring-fed sinkhole. A visitor center now encloses this National Natural Landmark, and guided tours of the dig site are provided year round.
The world’s richest Oligocene Epoch fossil beds, dating back 23 to 37 million years ago, are located in Badlands National Park. Rapid City’s SD School of Mines Museum of Geology holds the world’s finest exhibits of Oligocene mammal fossils.
The “Big Pig Dig” in Badlands National Park was discovered accidentally in 1993 by park visitors. To date, 12 types of animals have been unearthed, including a saber-tooth cats; miniature camels; cow-sized rhinoceros; a pig-like animal; a small, three-toed horse; a small dog; a type of tortoise and a rabbit-ancestor.
Visitors can observe the paleontologists during the summer or view fossils of the animals on the Fossil Exhibit Trail. The site is open daily through late August, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Vore Buffalo Jump near Beulah, Wyoming is much more than a hole full of bones. It’s a scientific treasure … a fascinating history book … a major economic development. The natural sinkhole was used by Plains Indian tribes between 1500 and 1800 A.D. as a trap to capture the large numbers of buffalo necessary to sustain them through the harsh Great Plains winters. The remains of 10,000 to 20,000 bison are likely to be excavated at the site. Some bone layers at the site are nearly three feet thick.
“Sue,” the largest, most complete and best preserved Tyrannosaurus Rex ever discovered, was unearthed in South Dakota in 1990. The skeleton now makes its home at the Chicago Field Museum. South Dakota’s “official State Dinosaur” is the three-horned triceratops.
Links to Consider:
Paleontology in South Dakota
Museum of Geology
Wind Cave Paleontology
Black Hills Museum of Natural History
Journey Museum
Mammoth Site
