Montouliers, France – A man out walking his dog stumbled upon an extraordinary find – nearly intact dinosaur bones in Montouliers, a town in southern France. Damien Boschetto, a paleontology enthusiast and member of the Association of Culture, Archeology, and Paleontology (ACAP), made the rare discovery while out for a stroll with his dog Muffin. Describing it as a “rare and exceptional discovery in France and Europe,” Boschetto highlighted the significance of the find.
According to Boschetto, researchers have been uncovering fossils of dinosaurs and other species in Cruzy, a nearby village in southern France, for the past 28 years. However, this new discovery in Montouliers introduced researchers to a previously unexplored area rich in fossilized remains. The skeletons found were almost completely intact, a remarkable occurrence that Boschetto and the ACAP team decided to keep secret for two years to safeguard the site and ensure a successful extraction process.
Over the course of two years, Boschetto and his team conducted several 10-day excavations, unearthing multiple dinosaur skeletons that were remarkably well-preserved. Among the specimens discovered was a titanosaurus measuring approximately 10 meters in length, a find that Boschetto emphasized was rare due to the completeness of the anatomical connection of the skeletons.
The bones were carefully removed and transported to a laboratory at the Cruzy Museum for storage and exhibition. Boschetto expressed the importance of these new discoveries for scientific research, the museum’s future, and its collections, underscoring the potential they hold to contribute to the museum’s growth and public education efforts.
The ACAP, comprised mostly of dedicated volunteers specializing in excavations and scientific research, collaborates closely with paleontologists, France’s National Centre for Scientific Research, and local universities. Their work in the region has led to the identification of over 25 dinosaur species, with ongoing studies revealing even more fascinating insights into the prehistoric past. Some of the findings date back around 70 million years and were discovered along a river, where the ancient bones were carried by the flow of water.
The remarkable discoveries made by Boschetto and the ACAP team serve as a testament to the rich paleontological history of the region, shedding light on the ancient creatures that once roamed the area. With each new find, the researchers continue to deepen our understanding of the world that existed millions of years ago, offering valuable insights into the evolution and diversity of prehistoric life.