Frost Science Paleontologists Wrap 2026 Montana Dig, Unearth Ankylosaur Skeleton

Dr. Cary Woodruff, the Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology at Frost Science, announced the conclusion of the museum's summer excavation season in Montana for 2026. The field team faced extreme challenges, including dust and snow storms, two rainstorms that devastated their camp, and weeks of temperatures soaring above 110°F. Nevertheless, they successfully unearthed a significant portion of an ankylosaur skeleton, which includes several vertebrae, osteoderms, complete hips, and part of the tail. While the fossils seem to be largely in their original position, several parts, including the neck, shoulders, arms, legs, hands, feet, and tail club, are still unaccounted for. In late August, additional bones, such as armor pieces, an ulna, and a tail vertebra, were discovered on the far left side of the quarry, indicating potential displacement of some skeletal elements. The large fossil jackets are being prepared for transport to Miami, Florida, with help from the Bureau of Land Management's Havre Field Office. The excavation also included participants from Frost Science's new Digging Expedition program, designed to involve the public in fieldwork. Woodruff raised intriguing questions about the fate of the missing bones and the implications of their presence or absence, highlighting the need for further excavation to find answers.