Rangely, Colorado – Paleontologists in northwest Colorado have made an intriguing discovery – the fossilized remains of a “swamp dweller” that lived nearly 75 million years ago. The team from the University of Colorado unearthed the jaw of a Heleocola piceanus, a rodent-like marsupial the size of a muskrat, which was relatively large compared to other mammals from the Cretaceous period.
Professor Jaelyn Eberle, curator of fossil vertebrates at the CU Museum of Natural History, highlighted the significance of the find, noting that mammals during the Late Cretaceous period were typically smaller in size. The discovery sheds new light on the diversity of animals that existed before the extinction event 66 million years ago.
The fossil was found at a site where the inland sea met the surrounding marshes and swamplands 70 million years ago. The area would have been home to various creatures, including turtles, crocodiles, and other marsh dwellers. The landscape likely resembled the wetlands of Louisiana, according to co-author Rebecca Hunt-Foster.
The team’s dedication to excavating in western Colorado for 15 years has paid off with this remarkable discovery. Despite being a small town, the region has proven to be a rich source of fossils, attracting scientists from around the world. Eberle emphasized the importance of rural environments in paleontological research, stating that exciting discoveries can come from unexpected places.
The exciting find of the “swamp dweller” adds to the growing body of knowledge about prehistoric life in Colorado and provides valuable insights into the ancient ecosystems of the region. As the team continues their work, they hope to uncover more secrets buried beneath the rugged terrain of western Colorado.