North America, Massachusetts, South Hadley, Portland Formation, Early Jurassic, ca. 190 million years ago. Astounding dinosaur footprints encased in a sandstone matrix on both sides! The prints face opposite directions: one slightly inflated, and the other is recessed - 2 views of a foot pad and claw tips. The print is tulip shaped with 3 digits, and since footprints are only trace fossils or impressions left by dinosaurs, researchers have much less information to use to determine a species- but it is likely this came from a slender carnivorous dinosaur / 3 toed biped. The Portland Formation once contained a series of prehistoric lakes and a floodplain - perfect for capturing prints in the soft shoreline as the animals came to drink. These prints were first recorded in 1802 and dubbed "Noah's Raven" since they looked like abnormally large bird tracks! Size (footprint): 6" L x 5.125" W (15.2 cm x 13 cm); (matrix): 20.25" L x 1" W x 11" H (51.4 cm x 2.5 cm x 27.9 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#172146

Professionally excavated. Two separate footprints as shown. Intact with nice inflation and contrasting coloration from surrounding matrix. Old inventory number on surface.