Frost Science Paleontologist Battles Extreme Montana Weather to Excavate Ankylosaur
Dr. Cary Woodruff, Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at Frost Science, reports from the field in Montana where extreme weather has marked the start of the 2025 dig season. After a mild winter, the region experienced drought, a 95°F Mother's Day, a dust storm, then a sudden drop to the mid-20s with snow, followed by heavy rains that halted work for nearly a week. Despite these conditions, the team has begun excavating an ankylosaur skeleton partially discovered in 2024. To access the bones, Woodruff spent two days operating an excavator to remove a steep rocky hillside. The bones were reburied last year and are now being carefully uncovered by hand. The extent of the skeleton remains unknown, adding to the excitement. Fossil Preparator Dan Large is especially thrilled as ankylosaurs are his favorite dinosaurs. Updates will be posted throughout the summer.
Key facts
- Dr. Cary Woodruff is Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at Frost Science.
- Montana experienced extreme drought, a dust storm, temperature swings, and heavy rain.
- On Mother's Day, temperature reached 95°F.
- Temperature later dropped to mid-20s°F with light snow.
- Two weeks of rain nearly matched year-to-date totals, causing a week-long work stoppage.
- An ankylosaur skeleton was partially found in 2024.
- An excavator was used to remove a steep hillside above the site.
- Frost Science Fossil Preparator Dan Large is working on the excavation.
Entities
Artists
- Dr. Cary Woodruff
- Dan Large
Institutions
- Frost Science
Locations
- Montana