Unearthing Prehistoric Treasures: Why California's Central Valley Is a Fossil Hunter's Dream.

In 1936, a remarkable fossil discovery put California's Central Valley on the paleontological map. Allan Bennison, a student at Gustine High School, uncovered the fossilized bones of a hadrosaurus—an herbivorous, duck-billed dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous Period—while exploring Del Puerto Canyon in Stanislaus County. According to The Fresno Bee, it marked the first scientifically recognized dinosaur fossil found in California.

Bennison’s fossil-hunting success continued a year later when he unearthed the skull and spine of a mosasaur, an ancient marine reptile. In recognition of his contributions, the species was named Plotosaurus bennisoni.

Michael George, lead paleontologist at the Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County, emphasized the importance of amateur fossil hunters in advancing paleontology. "Because of public interest, professionals like us get to study more fossils every day," George said.

While the Central Valley might seem like endless farmland today, it is rich in prehistoric remains. During the Mesozoic Era—spanning 252 to 66 million years ago—much of California was submerged beneath ancient seas. As a result, the region has yielded a wealth of marine fossils, from mosasaurs and ammonites to clams and even the occasional megalodon tooth.

In addition to marine life, Ice Age megafauna such as mammoths, dire wolves, saber-tooth cats, camels, and giant sloths have been discovered throughout the valley. Dinosaur fossils are rarer, yet notable finds have occurred. Most dinosaur fossils in California belong to hadrosaurs, whose duck-like beaks and broad muzzles suited them for grazing in what was once a coastal plain. Other dinosaur discoveries include Aletopelta coombsi, an armored ankylosaur unearthed by construction workers near Carlsbad in 1987.

Among the Central Valley’s most significant finds is Augustynolophus morrisi, a 26-foot-long, three-ton hadrosaur. Only two fossil specimens have been found—one in Fresno County in 1939 and the other in San Benito County in 1941. Both are now housed at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. The dinosaur, named in honor of philanthropist Gretchen Augustyn and paleontologist William J. Morris, became California’s official state dinosaur in 2017 when then-Governor Jerry Brown signed it into law. George suggested that the Augustynolophus might have died near the ancient coastline and drifted into deeper waters, where it was eventually fossilized.

Today, Central Valley residents and visitors can explore prehistoric life through various attractions. The Big Fresno Fair recently hosted a traveling "Dinosaur Adventure" exhibit featuring life-sized, animated dinosaur replicas. Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo held a dinosaur-themed overnight event with fossil digs, while permanent exhibits at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History in Bakersfield and the Fresno Discovery Center offer additional opportunities for learning and exploration.

The Fossil Discovery Center of Madera County, located near the Fairmead landfill—one of North America’s largest middle-Pleistocene fossil excavation sites—features fossils of ancient camels, horses, sloths, and saber-tooth cats. Full-scale models, including a Columbian mammoth and a towering 12-foot-tall short-faced bear, bring prehistoric history to life. Visitors can also observe a working paleontological lab showcasing fossil excavation and preservation techniques.

"People usually think you have to visit La Brea Tar Pits to see fossils like these," George said, noting the significance of having a fossil museum right in the Central Valley. The center aims to inspire future paleontologists, much like the "Godzilla" movies and "Jurassic Park" sparked George’s own early fascination with prehistoric creatures.

Fossil hunting in California is regulated; removing fossils from federal or state land requires a special permit. However, finds on private property belong to the landowner. Aspiring fossil hunters can also visit The Ernst Quarries in Bakersfield, adjacent to Sharktooth Hill, one of the world's premier marine fossil sites. For a fee, visitors can dig for fossils like shark teeth and clams—keeping all their finds unless they uncover something of significant scientific importance, which is preserved for research and public display.

As George points out, the fascination with prehistoric life isn't just for kids. "More often than not," he said, "I see adults just as captivated—if not more—by these ancient giants."

Source:https://phys.org/news/2025-04-california-central-valley-fossil-hot.html

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.