As the scorching Texas summer brought record-breaking heat and a deepening drought, a remarkable discovery unfolded. A dedicated group of volunteers stumbled upon a collection of colossal dinosaur tracks estimated to be around 110 million years old, laid bare by the receding water levels.
Paul Baker, the retail manager at Dinosaur Valley State Park, expressed his astonishment, saying he had “never seen this many dinosaur tracks” in one place. He likened the experience to a treasure hunt, emphasizing the excitement of witnessing something previously unseen.
Dinosaur Valley State Park, located approximately an hour and a half south of Dallas, has long been known for its abundant dinosaur footprints, left behind by sauropods and theropods that roamed the area roughly 113 million years ago. The park has been a favorite destination for dinosaur enthusiasts and tourists who traditionally visited the now-dry Paluxy River for activities like fishing, swimming, and kayaking.
However, this summer’s declining water levels revealed more of the park’s ancient history. A severe drought has gripped parts of Texas since June, with over a third of the state now suffering from extreme drought conditions, as reported by the US Drought Monitor.
Paul Baker remarked on the extraordinary changes, noting that this June was the hottest he had ever experienced in his 45 years. He recalled the striking contrast of the now bone-dry riverbed to its former state.
The discovery was made possible through the collaborative efforts of volunteers, including members of the Dallas Paleontological Society, Master Naturalists, and the Friends of Dinosaur Valley State Park, led by Kuban. Baker played a crucial role by providing supplies, equipment, logistical support, and contributing to the research. Raised in Dinosaur Valley State Park, where his father served as a park manager for three decades, Baker considers the opportunity to uncover dinosaur tracks as particularly meaningful, a way to give back to the place and community that shaped his upbringing.
While the drought allowed them to delve into the past and document history, Baker emphasized that the ongoing drought and record-high temperatures should not be underestimated. He, like many others who cherished the Paluxy River for recreational activities, expressed a bittersweet sentiment, saying, “It’s fascinating to see these tracks like this, but I do miss the river. The Paluxy River is typically a stunningly beautiful waterway.”
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digest Pulse journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
