![]() Photo by Cliff Miles The quality of fossil preservation is extraordinary, nearly unparalleled in the fossil record. The quiet-water, fine-grained lake sediments, and water conditions that excluded scavengers combined to preserve articulated skeletons (all bones are in place rather than scattered). Delicate fossils, rarely preserved elsewhere, yield valuable scientific data. Today less than 1% of Fossil Lake is protected and managed by the National Park Service. Fossil Butte National Monument is a site that promotes the protection of this world-class paleontological heritage. Check out the fossil and donated fossil photo galleries and find more information about the various fossil species of the Fossil Butte Member (FBM) below. ![]() NPS Photo Fossil Fish Species27 fish species have been identified from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM).![]() NPS Photo Fossil Mammal Species10 mammal species have been identified from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM).![]() NPS Photo Fossil Reptile SpeciesThe 15 species of reptiles identified from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM) include turltes, lizards, crocodilians, and snakes.![]() NPS Photo Fossil Amphibian Species2 amphibian species have been identified from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM).![]() NPS Photo Fossil Arthropod SpeciesSeveral arthropod specimens have been identified from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM).![]() NPS Photo Fossil Plant SpeciesOver 400 plant specimens have been identified from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM).![]() NPS Photo Fossil Bird SpeciesOver 30 species of birds have been identifiefd from the Fossil Butte Member (FBM).If you want to see the data from the fossils collected in the park's research quarry, download the Fossil Lake Quarry Data Spreadsheet (Excel 0.25 MB). If you do not see recent data, check back as the document is updated periodically. |
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Last updated: May 4, 2022