Overview

• A volunteer clearing flood debris at Big Sandy Creek discovered 15 large, three-clawed dinosaur footprints embedded in Glen Rose Formation limestone.
• University of Texas at Austin paleontologists dated the tracks to 110–115 million years ago, attributing them to a carnivorous dinosaur akin to Acrocanthosaurus.
• Travis County Judge Andy Brown said floodwaters swelled Sandy Creek to 20 feet, washing away soil and revealing the Cretaceous-era imprints.
• Local authorities have cordoned off the private property to prevent damage in line with the landowner’s request that the site remain off-limits.
• Scientists will return in the coming weeks to conduct detailed mapping of the site followed by 3D imaging of the footprints for preservation and study.