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How to Hunt Fossils in Alabama

Alabama is likely the best place east of the Mississippi River to find dinosaur fossils. Fossil discoveries in the state include the tyrannosaurus and dromaeosaurs, or raptors, which hail from the late Cretaceous period. Although such spectacular finds are rare, there are plenty of other Alabama fossils waiting for those who want to hunt. There are even organized fossil hunts you can go on with the whole family in Alabama.

Instructions

- 1
  Join the Birmingham Paleontological Society. The society organizes fossil digs on a regular basis. They also schedule educational programs, guest lecturers and museum trips so members can better understand the fossils they find.
- 2
  Visit a museum. Some, such as the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, include an exhibit for children that allows them to dig through a sandy pit in search of fossils from prehistoric Alabama.
- 3
  Visit a commercial mine or gold panning site. The focus will be gems or precious metals, but some are located in places where fossils are found as well. Call ahead of time to make sure fossils have been found at the site.
- 4
  Freelance. New roads that are cut through rocky outcrops are a good place to find fossils. But be careful not to choose locations with unstable rock, or otherwise dangerous features.

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