Dinosaur bones: The journey from find to museum

Have you ever wondered how a fossil discovered on public lands ends up showcased in a museum or studied at a university? We’re pulling back the curtain on that journey – from a dusty dig site to a carefully preserved specimen on display. It’s a process that combines science, stewardship, and a respect for our nation’s ancient past. 

At the Bureau of Land Management, we oversee nearly 250 million acres of public lands containing some of the richest fossil sites in the world. Through scientific research, responsible management, and public engagement, we ensure that these fossils are protected and preserved for future generations. 

Remember: while awesome to see, it is illegal to dig, remove, collect or make molds of vertebrate fossils without a research permit. Fossils collected by permitted researchers remain public property and are curated by museums and universities so that everyone can learn from and enjoy these incredible windows into the past.