Man encounters dinosaur track in forest in Udon Thani
A man in Thailand recently came across what appeared to be a dinosaur track in a forest in Udon Thani province.
On Sunday (18 Oct), Pichai Prathetsena posted in the Facebook group “What is this animal?” to ask whether his discovery was really a dinosaur footprint.
He shared a photo of a distinct three-clawed impression in the stone, which had collected some water.
It looked slightly larger than Mr Pichai’s foot.
The post has since gone viral, garnering over 85,000 likes and 13,000 shares as of writing.
Man found 4 tracks during a hike
In response to queries from MS News, Mr Pichai said he discovered the track at around 1 pm on Saturday (17 Oct) during a hike in the forest.
“I discovered four tracks, but only one stood out clearly,” he noted.
Mr Pichai added that the area where he found the tracks is a tourist spot and nature trail near Tad Noi Waterfall.
He also shared that relevant authorities had reached out to him for information after he posted about his discovery on Facebook.
Netizens confirmed it’s dinosaur track
Thailand’s Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) commented on Mr Pichai’s post to acknowledge the potential discovery and share that it has launched an investigation on the matter.
Translation: The Department of Mineral Resources has acknowledged this. We’re verifying the information at the moment. Thank you for sharing it. You can find updates on the DMR page.
Source: Facebook
Many netizens also believed the man had stumbled upon a real dinosaur footprint, with one user commenting that the track is very clear.
Translation: That’s right. The track is so clear.
Source: Facebook
Another netizen expressed envy, saying it was incredible that Mr Pichai had come across a dinosaur track while hiking.
Translation: What an incredible experience! Coming across a dinosaur track while walking. I envy you.
Source: Facebook
Meanwhile, one user shared a similar discovery he had in Phu Luang, Loei province.
Translation: This is taken at Phu Luang in Loei province.
Source: Facebook
Authorities confirm tracks are dinosaur footprints
After inspecting the site, the DMR confirmed that the tracks are genuine dinosaur footprints.
They estimate these to be about 120 million years old, dating back to the Early Cretaceous Period.
Geologists explain that the Early Cretaceous period was a crucial time in Earth’s history, marked by the gradual breakup of Pangea.
The warm global climate during this period sparked a massive surge in biodiversity, creating a “golden age” for carnivorous dinosaurs.
Authorities have cordoned off the area to prevent damage to the dinosaur fossils.
They are also planning to send palaeontologists to the scene for further examination, including identifying the species that left the footprints.
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Featured image adapted from Pichai Prathetsena on Facebook.
