Thousands of dinosaur footprints, estimated to be 210 million years old, have been identified within a national park in northern Italy.
Discovery Details
The footprints, some measuring up to 40 centimeters in diameter, are arranged in parallel rows. Many exhibit distinct impressions of toes and claws. Initial analysis suggests the tracks belong to prosauropods, which were herbivorous dinosaurs characterized by long necks, small heads, and sharp claws. According to paleontologist Cristiano Dal Sasso, the discovery holds significant scientific value.
Location and Geological Context
Last September, a photographer initially observed the footprints extending for hundreds of meters on a vertical mountain wall located within the Stelvio National Park, northeast of Milan. During the Triassic period, approximately 250 to 201 million years ago, this geological feature functioned as a tidal flat before its eventual incorporation into the Alpine mountain range.
Behavioral Insights
Evidence from the tracks indicates that these prosauropods moved in herds. Some formations suggest more intricate behaviors, such as groups of animals congregating in a circular pattern, potentially for defensive purposes. Prosauropods, which could attain lengths of up to 10 meters, typically walked on two legs. However, the presence of handprints positioned in front of some footprints suggests they would occasionally lower their forelimbs to the ground, possibly for rest.