Hunting For Fossils

Fossils are found everywhere.  They are the remains of plants, animals, and even bacteria, and have been replaced by rock .  Amazingly, organisms and plants often leave their impressions in rock. You may have stood upon fossils that were thousands, perhaps millions of years old, buried in the ground right beneath your feet when you walked in a field, by a riverside, the forest edge or in your own backyard!  If you’re interested in fossil hunting or want to introduce your kids to this exciting, educational activity, you can begin on your own by first purchasing a well respected book on fossil recognition for beginners and a DIY kit that  includes a rock hammer, chisel, magnifying glass, tooth brush, bottled water, and a ham sandwich.  As you gain experience, you will gradually add to your tools.  Before you begin your hunt for a fossilized T-Rex, visit your library where you can research the best sites to visit as suggested by the experts in you area.  Don’t forget to check out the yellow pages for tour guides that may offer private or group fossil hunts.  Consider the fees to be a great investment considering the knowledge and hands-on experience you will gain.

Fossil hunting also called fossil collecting is the locating and collection of fossils for hobby, professional or profit is practiced by amateurs and experts.  Experts are known paleontologists who study the history of life on Earth  based on fossils –  the remains of plants, animals, etc., whose once living cellular structure has been replaced by rock material or impressions  right in the surrounding rock. But this activity is enjoyed by many amateurs who love being out in nature in a solitary way or enjoy the comradery of family or a group of people who share your interest.  While most fossils are not worth a great deal except to the hunter/collector, some do hold scientific value and worth a great deal of money.  Happy hunting!