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Denver Museum of Nature & Science showing off dinosaur fossil found in parking lot; oldest in city''s history

Remarkable Dinosaur Fossil Unearthed in Suburban Parking Lot: A Triceratops Discovery Shakes Up Colorado Paleontology

In an astonishing twist of fate that blends urban development with prehistoric wonders, a significant dinosaur fossil was discovered in the most unlikely of places: a parking lot in Thornton, Colorado, a suburb just north of Denver. What began as routine construction work for a new public safety facility quickly escalated into a major paleontological event, drawing experts from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science to the site. The find, identified as parts of a triceratops—one of the most iconic dinosaurs of the Late Cretaceous period—has captivated scientists, historians, and the public alike, offering fresh insights into Colorado's ancient past.

The story unfolded in August 2017 when construction crews were excavating the ground for the Thornton Police Department's new headquarters and fire station. As heavy machinery dug into the earth, workers noticed unusual bone-like structures protruding from the soil. Initially mistaken for rocks or debris, these fragments caught the eye of a keen-eyed foreman who halted operations and alerted local authorities. Recognizing the potential significance, the city of Thornton reached out to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, a renowned institution with a long history of handling such discoveries in the region.

Museum paleontologists, led by curator Dr. Joe Sertich, rushed to the scene to assess the find. Upon initial inspection, they confirmed that the bones belonged to a triceratops, a herbivorous dinosaur known for its three distinctive facial horns and massive frill. The fossil included a nearly complete skull, measuring over six feet in length, along with portions of the ribcage, vertebrae, and limb bones. This specimen, estimated to be around 66 million years old, dates back to the end of the Cretaceous period, just before the mass extinction event that wiped out non-avian dinosaurs.

The excavation process was meticulous and time-consuming, spanning several weeks. Paleontologists worked alongside construction teams to carefully extract the fossils without causing damage. They employed tools ranging from delicate brushes and picks to plaster jackets for stabilizing larger pieces. The site, located in what was once a lush, riverine environment during the dinosaur era, yielded not only the triceratops remains but also smaller fossils like turtle shells and plant impressions, painting a fuller picture of the ecosystem. Dr. Sertich described the discovery as "a once-in-a-lifetime event," noting that urban areas like Thornton are rarely associated with such finds due to extensive development overwriting geological layers.

What makes this triceratops particularly noteworthy is its size and preservation. Adult triceratops could grow up to 30 feet long and weigh as much as 12 tons, and this specimen appears to be from a mature individual. The skull, with its prominent brow horns and beak-like mouth, is remarkably intact, allowing scientists to study features like tooth wear and possible injuries from battles with predators such as Tyrannosaurus rex. Preliminary analyses suggest the dinosaur may have died near a river, where sediments quickly buried and preserved its remains, protecting them from scavengers and erosion over millennia.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has taken custody of the fossil, transporting it to their state-of-the-art labs for further preparation and study. There, technicians are painstakingly removing the surrounding rock matrix, a process that involves dental tools, air scribes, and even acid baths to reveal the bone details. This work is not just about cleaning; it's about unlocking scientific data. Researchers are using CT scans and 3D modeling to examine the internal structures, which could reveal information about the dinosaur's age, health, and even diet. For instance, isotopic analysis of the teeth might indicate what plants it consumed, providing clues about the vegetation of prehistoric Colorado.

Colorado has a rich history of dinosaur discoveries, making this find part of a larger narrative. The state is home to famous sites like Dinosaur National Monument and the Morrison Formation, which have yielded thousands of fossils from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Triceratops, in particular, are well-represented in the fossil record of the American West, with the first specimen described in the late 19th century by paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh during the infamous Bone Wars. However, urban discoveries like this one are rare and highlight how human expansion can inadvertently uncover hidden treasures. In recent years, similar finds have occurred during infrastructure projects, such as road constructions in Wyoming and Montana, but the Thornton triceratops stands out for its proximity to a major metropolitan area.

Public interest in the discovery has been immense, turning the parking lot into a temporary attraction before the fossils were removed. Local residents, school groups, and media flocked to the site, where museum staff provided guided tours and educational talks. One Thornton resident, who witnessed the excavation, shared, "It was surreal to think that under our everyday parking lot, there was this massive creature from millions of years ago. It makes you appreciate the history beneath our feet." The museum capitalized on this enthusiasm by launching outreach programs, including virtual tours and fossil preparation demonstrations, to engage the community.

From a scientific perspective, this triceratops adds valuable data to ongoing research on dinosaur evolution and extinction. Paleontologists are particularly interested in how this specimen compares to others found in the Denver Basin, a geological formation that stretches across eastern Colorado. Differences in bone structure could indicate variations within the species or adaptations to local environments. Moreover, the find contributes to debates about the end-Cretaceous extinction, potentially offering evidence of environmental stresses like climate change or volcanic activity that preceded the asteroid impact.

Looking ahead, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science plans to display the triceratops in a new exhibit, tentatively titled "Urban Dinosaurs: Fossils from the Front Range." This exhibit will not only showcase the skull and other bones but also interactive elements explaining the discovery process and the science of paleontology. Museum educators aim to inspire the next generation of scientists, emphasizing how everyday activities can lead to extraordinary revelations. Dr. Sertich envisions the fossil becoming a centerpiece for the museum's collections, drawing visitors from across the country.

The Thornton triceratops also underscores the importance of collaboration between developers, governments, and scientific institutions. In Colorado, laws require that significant fossil finds on public land be reported and preserved, ensuring they benefit the public rather than ending up in private collections. This discovery has prompted calls for more proactive surveying in urban development zones, potentially leading to protocols where paleontologists are consulted before groundbreaking.

In a broader sense, this find reminds us of the fragility and wonder of Earth's history. Amid the concrete and asphalt of modern life, remnants of a lost world persist, waiting to be uncovered. The triceratops from the parking lot serves as a bridge between the ancient and the contemporary, inviting reflection on how our planet has changed over eons. As research continues, each new detail from this fossil could rewrite small chapters in the story of dinosaurs, enriching our understanding of life's resilience and impermanence.

The excitement surrounding this discovery extends beyond academia. It has sparked media coverage, documentaries, and even merchandise, with local businesses creating triceratops-themed items to celebrate Thornton's unexpected claim to fame. Schools in the area have incorporated the find into curricula, teaching students about geology, biology, and history through hands-on activities like mock excavations.

Experts like Dr. Sertich emphasize that such discoveries are not anomalies but opportunities. "Colorado is dinosaur country," he says. "With every new find, we're piecing together the puzzle of what life was like here 66 million years ago." The triceratops skull, once fully prepared, will likely undergo further studies, including comparisons with specimens from other museums, fostering international collaboration.

In conclusion, the unearthing of this triceratops in a suburban parking lot is more than a lucky break—it's a testament to the enduring mysteries buried in our landscapes. As the Denver Museum of Nature and Science continues its work, this fossil promises to educate, inspire, and awe for generations to come, proving that dinosaurs aren't just relics of the past; they're very much alive in our collective imagination.

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Read the Full CBS News Article at:
[ https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/denver-museum-nature-science-dinosaur-fossil-found-parking-lot/ ]