Overview
- The Pipestone Creek bonebed in northern Alberta contains one of North America's densest fossil concentrations, with 100 to 300 bones per square meter across a square kilometer.
- Over 8,000 Pachyrhinosaurus fossils have been excavated so far, all belonging to a single species of horned dinosaur that roamed in massive herds.
- Scientists believe a catastrophic flooding event wiped out the herd, supported by evidence of sediment swirls from fast-moving water at the site.
- The site provides a rare opportunity to study intraspecific variation, with researchers documenting unique frill and nasal boss differences among individuals.
- Evidence suggests scavenging by theropods like Albertosaurus occurred after the flood, adding to the understanding of ecological interactions at the time.