Authorities in France have seized nine fossilized dinosaur teeth, dating back 66 million years, during a routine check of a Spanish lorry traveling near the Italian border.
French Customs Uncover Fossil Treasures During Routine Inspection
French Customs Uncover Fossil Treasures During Routine Inspection
Customs officers discover ancient dinosaur teeth, sparking a search for their origins.
In an astounding find during a routine inspection along the A8 motorway on January 28, French customs officers uncovered nine dinosaur teeth hidden within two parcels of a Spanish lorry. These extraordinary fossils were sent for analysis to a prehistory museum in Menton, where experts identified them as belonging to species from the Late Cretaceous period, around 72 to 66 million years ago, mainly originating from Morocco.
Customs agent Samantha Verduron highlighted that lorries on this busy route are frequently stopped for random inspections, often due to concerns about illegal drugs, making the fossil discovery an unforeseen but exciting event. Among the findings were teeth from a Zarafasaura oceanis— a marine reptile roughly 10 feet long— as well as three from a Mosasaurus, a formidable ocean predator reaching up to 39 feet. In addition, five teeth are believed to correspond with Dyrosaurus phosphaticus, an ancient ancestor of crocodiles.
Officials are diligently working to trace the lorry driver’s intended recipients in the Italian cities of Genoa and Milan. Although collecting fossils is legal, transporting them often requires special licenses, emphasizing the delicate nature of fossil conservation and the importance of adhering to legal frameworks.
Customs agent Samantha Verduron highlighted that lorries on this busy route are frequently stopped for random inspections, often due to concerns about illegal drugs, making the fossil discovery an unforeseen but exciting event. Among the findings were teeth from a Zarafasaura oceanis— a marine reptile roughly 10 feet long— as well as three from a Mosasaurus, a formidable ocean predator reaching up to 39 feet. In addition, five teeth are believed to correspond with Dyrosaurus phosphaticus, an ancient ancestor of crocodiles.
Officials are diligently working to trace the lorry driver’s intended recipients in the Italian cities of Genoa and Milan. Although collecting fossils is legal, transporting them often requires special licenses, emphasizing the delicate nature of fossil conservation and the importance of adhering to legal frameworks.
