The 2012 dig season at the Gray Fossil Site helped to build on many of past years' discoveries. We continue to recover more of the large panda skeleton found last spring. Even today pickers are still processing the sediments found around the skeleton and recently found two of the missing teeth from the skull (including a canine) and several phalanges (finger bones).
The last dig season also led our paleontologists to recover new finds as well. Additional elements of a fragmented tortoise scattered over a large area were found. The jaws of a giant shrew were also discovered. Many new lizard and snake materials were recovered, including the first viper found on the site.
Our graduate students are also hard at work. Through their initiative, we have begun recovering and identifying some of the site's first significant insect material from the site. At this time, we are finding mostly beetles.
In the coming weeks, we will begin excavations once again and will post regular updates on this page. Check back soon!