What Should You Do If You Find a Dinosaur Skeleton?

Finding a dinosaur skeleton is an extraordinary discovery! Here are the steps you should take to ensure your find contributes to scientific understanding and is handled properly.

Stay Calm

When you discover a fossil, the first step is to stay calm. Assess the situation and ensure your safety first. It is essential to take a moment to properly evaluate your surroundings and the potential hazards.

Document the Discovery

Next, document the site in detail. Take detailed notes and photographs of the location, the skeleton, and its context. If possible, include GPS coordinates, size, orientation, and any surrounding information. Photos are crucial as they provide valuable evidence that can help with the research and verification of the find.

Do Not Disturb

It is important not to move or disturb the skeleton. Disturbing the site can cause significant damage to the fossil and the surrounding archaeological context. Keep the area protected and avoid stepping on or altering the site in any way.

Notify Authorities

Contact local authorities or nearby museums, universities, or paleontological societies. These organizations can provide guidance and advise on the proper steps to take. Some institutions may even send a team to investigate the site and perform further documentation and preservation.

Follow Legal Guidelines

Be aware of local laws regarding fossil discoveries. In many areas, fossils are considered public property, and there may be legal requirements for reporting and excavating them. Familiarize yourself with these rules to ensure you comply with the law.

Preserve the Site

With the help of authorized personnel, it may be necessary to preserve the site until experts can arrive. This may involve covering the site with a protective layer or physically guarding the area to prevent unauthorized access.

Stay Informed

After reporting your find, it is advisable to stay informed about the progress. Follow up with the authorities or institutions involved to learn about the findings and any further actions. Your discovery can contribute significantly to the scientific community's knowledge of paleontology.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your discovery is handled with care and contributes to the advancement of paleontological science. Remember, proper documentation, avoidance of disturbance, and correct reporting help preserve the integrity of the fossil and the site for future generations of scientists.