Friday, July 16, 2010

Hagerman Fossil Beds NM


Examine a fossiliferous Pliocene-aged site!

Do you know horses evolved in North America? The Hagerman Horse, Equus simplicidens, is the first true one toed horse. It's the park's most famous fossil but we have fossil evidence of over two hundred different species. From saber-toothed cat, mastodon, bear, camel, and ground sloth to smaller animals like rodents and frogs, the scientific study of Pliocene fossils is the key to Hagerman. 

July 16, 2010
Another stop on my solo cross-country trip. The Visitor's Center is the main attraction to see as you can't see the dig site. I took in the Visitor's Center and movie. A return trip will be needed to see all of this unit.

NPS webpage

Our 51st NPS Unit