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Ancient Dinosaur Fossil Damaged By Thief At Dinosaur National Monument

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Though taken from slightly different angles, this before and after photo shows the recent damage to the dinosaur fossil/NPS photos

Someone with a hankering for a prehistoric dinosaur bone, but with poor theft skills, did considerable damage to a fossilized bone on the Fossil Discovery Trail in Dinosaur National Monument in Utah. Anyone who provides information as to the thief that leads to their conviction will be rewarded with $750 from the National Park Service.

Park officials say that on Tuesday a ranger leading a guided walk discovered damage to a fossilized humerus bone from a sauropod dinosaur located along the trail. The damage was not evident the previous day, according to a park release. If you have any information concerning the matter, you are asked to contact the monument at (435) 781-7715. 

The Fossil Discovery Trail is a 1.2-mile trail that runs between the Quarry Visitor Center and the Quarry Exhibit Hall where the famous wall of dinosaur bones is located. The trail is unique as it is one of the few places where visitors can hike to see and touch unexcavated dinosaur fossils and fragments in situ; or still in place. It allows visitors to experience what it may have been like for paleontologist Earl Douglass when he discovered the first fossils in what is now the monument. While the fossils have limited scientific value, they have a great value for the educational experience they provide to visitors and students who hike the trail.

Visitors are reminded that all fossils, rocks, plants, animals and cultural artifacts located within Dinosaur National Monument are protected and may not be collected.

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