Man Discovers 70-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Skeleton While Walking His Dog
In a remarkable turn of events, a man in France stumbled upon a massive dinosaur skeleton while simply walking his dog. This incredible discovery has not only captured the attention of scientists and paleontologists but has also sparked a life-changing career shift for the man who found it.
Damien Boschetto, a 25-year-old resident of Montouliers in Hérault, France, made the astonishing find approximately two years ago. However, due to concerns about potential vandalism, Boschetto and local archeologists decided to keep the discovery a secret until now.
The fossil, identified as a nearly complete titanosaur skeleton, is estimated to be around 70 million years old. Titanosaurs were a subgroup of sauropods, known for their long necks and herbivorous diet. These massive creatures roamed the Earth from approximately 150 to 66 million years ago and were among the largest dinosaurs ever known.
While paleontologists often uncover individual bones from ancient animals, finding an entirely intact dinosaur skeleton is an exceedingly rare occurrence. For instance, despite estimates suggesting the existence of 1.7 billion Tyrannosaurus rexes, scientists have only managed to recover fossilized remains of fewer than 100 of these iconic predators.
Boschetto’s discovery came about quite unexpectedly. While out walking his dog, he noticed a landslide on the edge of a cliff that exposed various skeletal remains. Initially, the bones appeared to be scattered and isolated. However, after a few days of careful excavation, Boschetto and the researchers realized that they were connected bones, forming a nearly complete titanosaur skeleton.
To protect the site from potential vandals, Boschetto and the researchers decided to keep the discovery under wraps for two years. This decision allowed them to carefully study and document the fossil without any interference. Now, with their research complete, the titanosaur skeleton will soon be on display at the Cruzy Museum, alongside another titanosaur femur uncovered in 2012.
The significance of this find cannot be overstated. Not only does it provide valuable insights into the species and ecosystems of the late Cretaceous period in France and Europe, but it also highlights the importance of preserving and protecting such archaeological treasures. The director of the Cruzy Museum, Francis Fages, expressed his gratitude for Boschetto’s contribution to their paleontology department, stating that his volunteering over the past two years has been invaluable.
In a surprising twist, Boschetto’s passion for paleontology has led him to make a life-changing decision. In September, he quit his job in the energy sector to pursue a master’s degree in paleontology. This remarkable discovery has not only opened up new opportunities for Boschetto but has also reignited public interest in the world of dinosaurs and the wonders they hold.
As we marvel at this extraordinary find, we are reminded of the vast mysteries that lie beneath our feet. The story of a man walking his dog and stumbling upon a 70-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton serves as a testament to the power of curiosity and the endless possibilities that await us in the world of paleontology.