A remarkable discovery was made in Montouliers near Hérault, France, where a man stumbled upon a 70 million-year-old fossil while walking his dog. The fossil turned out to be a nearly complete, 30-foot-long titanosaur, a subgroup of sauropods known for their long necks and massive size. Titanosaurs lived between 66 million and 150 million years ago on every continent.
Unveiling the rarity of finding an intact dinosaur skeleton, the fossil discovered by the man was approximately 70% complete. The discovery was initially kept a secret for two years to safeguard the site from potential vandals who might tamper with the find.
The man, described as a paleontology enthusiast, reported the discovery to the Cultural, Archaeological, and Paleontological Association in the nearby city of Cruzy. The association, along with the man, meticulously excavated the site, revealing a treasure trove of connected bones that had been exposed by a landslide on the edge of a cliff.
Upon completion of the study, the titanosaur fossil will be put on display at the Cruzy Museum, joining another titanosaur femur unearthed in 2012. The museum director highlighted the scientific significance of such discoveries, emphasizing their contribution to understanding the late Cretaceous species and ecosystems in France and Europe.
The man's dedication to paleontology led him to quit his job in the energy sector to pursue a master's degree in the field. His volunteering at the Cruzy Museum over the past two years has been instrumental in advancing the museum's paleontology department.
