(nr Kemmerer WY)
My route through Wyoming took me past Fossil Butte National Monument. It sets among some buttes that were once part of a pre-historic lake. Numerous fossil digs have been done in the area, and samples are on display.
Fossil Butte
There was a demonstration on how they reveal and clean the fossils. It was rather interesting to see the process. A large variety of species have been uncovered.
Turtle Fossil
Caiman Fossil
Fish Fossil
I hiked the Nature trail which goes up the side of a butte, past a beaver pond, and through an aspen grove. There I saw a moose amongst the trees, which I thought odd for that region. And, the photos didn’t turn out all that good.
Moose in the Aspens
I also saw a small snake on the trail. But, he didn’t want his picture taken; so, he quickly slithered into the sage brush. It was a nice side trip along US-30, and only a few hours.
Site: Fossil Butte National Monument
Scene: Buttes, cliffs, aspens, fossils
How large are those fossils? Fossils are like a window into the past.
Not sure of sizes as I didn’t measure; but of course actual for the critter. I’d say the turtle was about 16 inches, the caiman is a baby so not as big as you might expect, maybe 3 feet.