Thousands of dinosaur footprints, estimated to be 210 million years old and dating to the Late Triassic period, have been discovered within Stelvio National Park in the central Alps of northern Italy. The extensive track site, described by Milan's Natural History Museum as "the largest in the Alps and one of the richest in the world," offers insights into ancient faunal activity and geological history. The discovery was made on vertical rock walls in an area located between towns designated as venues for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Discovery and Location
The tracks were initially observed in September by nature photographer Elio Della Ferrara during a wildlife expedition in the Fraele Valley, an area adjacent to Bormio. Della Ferrara identified unusual formations on a vertical rock wall, approximately 2,000 feet (600 meters) above the nearest road, and subsequently scaled the wall to confirm numerous prints. The site, which extends over hundreds of meters, is situated on dolomite walls between the towns of Livigno and Bormio, northeast of Milan. This discovery marks the first instance of dinosaur tracks found in the Lombardy region and the sole discovery north of the Insubric Line, a significant tectonic boundary forming the southern edge of the Alps.
Geological Context and Preservation
The footprints were created approximately 210 million years ago, during the Late Triassic period (252 to 201 million years ago). At that time, the geological formation where the tracks are now preserved was a soft tidal flat. Over millions of years, as the Alpine mountain range developed, these tidal flats solidified into rock, preserving the prints in what are now near-vertical walls. The tracks are described as being in excellent condition, exhibiting distinct traces of toes and claws, with some impressions measuring up to 40 centimeters (15 inches) in diameter.
Paleontological Significance
Preliminary analyses suggest that the majority of the tracks were made by herbivorous prosauropod dinosaurs, which are known precursors to the larger sauropods. Prosauropods, which could reach lengths of up to 10 meters (33 feet), were characterized by long necks, small heads, and sharp claws. While typically moving bipedally, some trackways include handprints positioned in front of footprints, indicating that these dinosaurs may have occasionally lowered their forelimbs to the ground, possibly for resting. The tracks are arranged in parallel rows, and observations suggest coordinated movement among herds. More complex behaviors are also indicated, such as groups of animals congregating in circular formations, a pattern consistent with potential defensive actions. Prosauropod fossils have been documented on multiple continents, with significant concentrations in northern Europe.
Connection to 2026 Winter Olympics
The towns of Livigno and Bormio, situated near the discovery site, are designated venues for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Livigno is slated to host freestyle skiing and snowboarding events, while Bormio will feature alpine skiing and ski mountaineering. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala commented that continued studies of these footprints are expected to enhance understanding of Earth's history and the region's geological past.
Research and Accessibility
The area containing the dinosaur tracks is not accessible via established trails. Researchers plan to utilize drones and remote sensing technologies for ongoing study and detailed analysis. Public access to the site is not anticipated in the immediate future.