Images of Agate Fossil Beds National Monument – Western Nebraska, taken in September 2017.

On the plains of western Nebraska Agate Fossil Beds National Monument protects the site of one of the most significant fossil beds in the world. Approximately 19 to 20 million years ago this area was a fast drying oasis visited by many animal species, most of which would eventually become extinct. As the vegetation in the area was consumed and dried up the animals starved and died in what remained of this shallow watering hole.

Fossilized remains were uncovered in the early 1900s and several museum and university paleontological organizations converged on the site to excavate the bonebed. These dig finds can be found today in museum collections around the world.

One interesting fact about the Agate Fossil Bed is that over 60% of the bonebed has been left in place undisturbed. Scientist believe they have uncovered and identified all the species that roamed this area and further excavation was unnecessary so leaving everything in place was actually in the best interest of the fossilized remains.