A ceratopsid-dominated tracksite from the Dinosaur Park Formation (Campanian) at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada

Researchers have uncovered the first multitaxic dinosaur footprint assemblage from the Dinosaur Park Formation at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. This rare find includes tracks from multiple ceratopsids, two tyrannosaurids, a possible ankylosaurian, and a small theropod-like taxon, with ceratopsid tracks dominating the site. The discovery suggests gregarious behavior among ceratopsids due to their regular spacing and parallel arrangement. Additionally, the tracks are the first natural moulds (concave epirelief) found in the park, providing new insights into ichnological studies. The identification of a possible ankylosaurian track is notable for its distinct pedal digits, differentiating it from other known ankylosaurian tracks. This study has already led to subsequent trackway discoveries and holds potential to transform our understanding of dinosaur behavior in badlands environments.

Bell, P. R., Pickles, B. J., Ashby, S. C., Walker, I. E., Hurst, S., Rampe, M., Durkin, P., & Brown, C. M. (2025). A ceratopsid-dominated tracksite from the Dinosaur Park Formation (Campanian) at Dinosaur Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada. PLOS One, 20(7), e0324913. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0324913