Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Vast Triassic Dinosaur Footprint Field Found in Italian Alps Near 2026 Olympic Venues

The assemblage includes up to 20,000 tracks over five kilometers dating to roughly 210 million years ago.

Overview

  • Regional officials and Italian researchers announced the discovery Tuesday in Stelvio National Park between Bormio and Livigno.
  • Authorities described the site as one of the largest footprint collections in Europe, with many impressions up to 40 cm across showing clear toes and claws.
  • The tracks are preserved in Upper Triassic dolomitic rocks and provide evidence of herd movement and possible circular gatherings.
  • Experts attribute most prints to prosauropods and say there may also be traces from predatory dinosaurs and other archosaurs.
  • The near-vertical, remote, snow-covered outcrop will be documented with drones and remote sensing after photographer Elio Della Ferrera spotted it in September.