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University of Wyoming

COOPERATIVE EFFORT SAVES "BIG AL" FOR PUBLIC, SCIENTISTS

(Note: This is the first in a series of articles about "Big Al," a predatory Allosaurus dinosaur that roamed Wyoming 145 million years ago. The articles highlight how the Allosaurus fossil was found and preserved and is used in teaching about Wyoming's prehistoric past.)

Jan. 29, 1996 -- While stalking its prey on a Wyoming floodplain 145 million years ago, one of the earth's most fearsome predators came to a sudden demise.

ON-SITE EDUCATIONThe fossil remains of this predator, a young adult Allosaurus dinosaur, were uncovered in 1991 on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land near Shell in northern Wyoming. The only skeletal cast of the 25-foot long Allosaurus -- named "Big Al" by paleontologists who worked at the site -- is now on display at the University of Wyoming Geological Museum. The Allosaurus walked on its hind legs, had short arms with three fingers, and could grow to 40-feet long and weigh two tons.

"'Big Al' is a unique treasure that is contributing to our understanding of dinosaurs and prehistoric life in Wyoming," says Brent Breithaupt, UW Geological Museum director. "This is the most complete carnivorous dinosaur ever found in Wyoming. It is a unique specimen because the bones were articulated (all attached) in life position."

During the summer of 1991, a Swiss fossil-collecting company investigated a fossil bed on private property near Shell. However, they had worked their way some 200 to 300 feet onto public land when they found the Allosaurus fossil. A BLM employee spotted the Swiss dig while flying over the area.

Vertebrate fossils on public lands belong to the nation, so the BLM wanted to assure that the dinosaur would remain a public resource. They quickly mobilized a team of experts from UW and Montana State University's Museum of the Rockies (MOR) to determine the best way to preserve the rare find. The BLM also contracted MOR to make a cast of "Big Al" to be exhibited at UW.

"After the fossil discovery, BLM's primary concern was to protect the bones, but we also wanted to make sure that Wyoming citizens would have a chance to see 'Big Al'," says Al Pierson, BLM Wyoming state director. "The cooperative effort between BLM and the Museum of the Rockies fulfilled both objectives. We're thrilled that the cast of Big Al will be viewed for years to come at the University of Wyoming."

Fossils like "Big Al" command significant prices and are highly sought by commercial dealers. Fossils may be collected on private lands with the landowner's permission, but it is illegal to remove vertebrate fossils from public land without a special permit. Many fossils found on Wyoming public lands in the past are now in museums outside of the state.

"Fossils that are collected by commercial dealers usually aren't ever studied. These unique, non-renewable, educational and scientific resources are often lost to science and to the public," says Breithaupt.

The recovery had to be done promptly to keep the fossil from deteriorating during expected bad weather. An MOR crew was available immediately to do the work. The MOR also had the facilities to prepare the specimen after the bones were excavated.

It took eight days to uncover "Big Al" and prepare it for shipment to the laboratory. Site supervisor Robert Harmon instructed the excavation team to use small hand tools (hammers, chisels, awls and brushes) to expose as much of the skeleton as possible. All bones were given field identification numbers, and their locations at the site were mapped. Paleontologists treated the skeleton using the latest chemical preservatives. The bones were "blocked" in field jackets using plaster-soaked burlap wraps that made a hard-shell, protective cast.

"Excavating and preparing a fossil is not only time-consuming, but also expensive. BLM has invested some $80,000 since the time 'Big Al' was found," says Pierson. "We believe it is money well spent considering what a rare specimen it is."

The BLM invited area school groups in the Big Horn Basin to watch the excavation work. More than 4,000 students viewed the site as Breithaupt presented informative lectures. The international news media also descended on the site and CNN produced a story about the discovery.

THE STORY OF "'BIG AL' 

On Display at the UW Geological Museum

BBC Dinosaur page featuring Big Al