Fossil Lab: Frequently Asked Questions

There's a lot to know about fossils -- why not start out with some frequently asked questions?

NPS Photo

About the Lab

Where is the Fossil Preparation Lab?

The lab is located in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center.

When can I visit the Fossil Preparation Lab?

The Fossil Preparation Lab is typically open from 9:00am - 4:30pm, seven days a week, from the second week in June through the third week in September.

How do I become a paleontologist?

Paleontologists who work in the lab come from many backgrounds. Many of them studied geology or paleontology in college and have at least a bachelor’s degree in science. Some paleontologists started working with fossils as a volunteer at a local park or museum. If you are interested in a career in paleontology, learn more about volunteering with us.

Are there any programs about Badlands paleontology?

Yes. Typically, Fossil Talks are conducted during the summer every day at 10:30am and 1:30pm at Fossil Exhibit Trail. There, a ranger will show visitors fossils from the park and tell the stories of these ancient animals. If you know a kid interested in paleontology, ask for a Junior Paleontologist booklet at any visitor center. Kids can turn in their completed booklets to earn a Junior Paleontologist badge!

Why do paleontologists work on fossils in those transparent chambers?

The see-through boxes that paleontologists use to work on fossils serve a couple of purposes. First, they protect scientists and visitors from little rock bits that get chipped off of fossils. Second, they protect the delicate equipment (like microscopes) that paleontologists need to do their job. Finally, they make clean-up and ventilation easy! The vents attached to the box help suck up stray dust particles, preventing them from dirtying the lab and affecting air quality.

Are those dental tools they're using?

Nope! While the tools that paleontologists use for fossil preparation may look like dentist equipment, they’re actually specialized tools made for fossils. One of the main tools used by paleontologists is a miniature jackhammer that helps to chip away rock -- that probably wouldn’t feel very good at a dentist’s office!

About the Fossils

What do I do if I find a fossil?

If you find a fossil in Badlands National Park, please follow the directions below. The most important thing to remember is not to remove or move the fossil from its original position.

• Note the fossil’s location. Use a trail map or your phone to mark its location. GPS coordinates are helpful if you can get them. Please do not indicate where the fossil is by building rock cairns, drawing in the formations, or otherwise indicating the site in person.

• Take a picture of the fossil. Use something for scale (like a dollar bill, water bottle, or hand) if possible. Taking pictures from multiple angles may help our paleontologists identify what kind of fossil it is.

• Report what you found. At any visitor center, let a ranger know that you found a fossil and ask for a report. This report will ask for information about the fossil, its whereabouts, and your contact information.

• Stay in touch! Using the contact information you provide, our paleontologists will keep you updated about what you found and if it gets collected for preparation!

Have dinosaurs been found in the Badlands?

No, dinosaurs have never been found in the Badlands. The rock of the park that is from the time of dinosaurs (Pierre Shale, 75-69 million years old) was laid down when South Dakota was covered by a shallow inland sea. Since dinosaurs don’t swim, none of them are found in that rock layer! Instead, fossils found in that layer are of marine animals like ammonites and mosasaurs.