Why an Iconic Montana Dinosaur Fossil Must Find New ‘Digs’

Museums are awesome! But when you can see an ancient relic like this out on a hiking trail? Well, that adds tons to the mystique.

Unfortunately, that will no longer be the case in one of Montana's ultimate state park playgrounds for dinosaur lovers. But the good news isthat its absence is not due to theft,  vandalism or deterioration.Or sinking!

But since all of that was a growing concern, a very popular dinosaur fossil that was a fixture alongside one of Makoshika State Park’s hiking trails has been excavated by Museum of the Rockies.

DUCK-BILLED DINO MOVED

The Makoshika staff acknowledges that it's a bit of a shock to visitors who have become accustomed to seeing the hadrosaur, or duck-billed dinosaur, vertebrae along the Diane Gabriel Trail. But they are assuring visitors that its connection to the park will live on.

The plan is for Museum of the Rockies to transport the fossil back to its facilities and do preservation work to get it ready for display. Once the fossil is prepared, it will be returned to the park to be put on display in the visitor’s center for the public to view. The museum also has offered to help the park create interpretive signage to be placed near where the fossil was taken from along the trail.

RATHER HAVE THAN HAD(ROSAUR)

The museum was contacted by the park, concerned that, because it was precariously  over a sinkhole, if erosion continues it might be lost down into the sinkhole. The fossil is part of a backbone and consists of several vertebrae in a line in sandstone. It is estimated to be just under three feet wide and weighing about 300 pounds!

ABOUT MAKOSHIKA

Located near Glendive, Montana’s largest state park features badland formations and the fossil remains of Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and other prehistoric life. You’ll find a visitor center at the park entrance with interpretive exhibits great for all ages.

Within the park are scenic drives,hiking trails, 28 camping sites, a group picnic area, and an outdoor amphitheater.

The park offers special events throughout the year, including Montana Shakespeare in the Park, Friday night campfire programs and youth programs in summer, and the famous Buzzard Day festival, the second Saturday in June, featuring 10k & 5k races, a fun run, jumping house, food, disc golf tournament and hikes.

We didn't catch its name, but we hope our hadrosaur friend enjoys it new surroundings.