Image Credit: Elio Della Ferrera, Arch. PaleoStelvio

Dinosaur Footprints Discovered on a Mountain in Northern Italy

Archaeologists and paleontologists have identified thousands of dinosaur footprints dating back around 210 million years in a national park in northern Italy. The discovery was made on a steep mountain surface within the Stelvio National Park, revealing one of the most extensive tracksites of its kind in the region.
The footprints, some measuring up to 40 centimeters in diameter, are arranged in long, parallel lines. Many preserve clear impressions of toes and claws, offering valuable insight into dinosaur movement and behavior during the late Triassic period. At that time, the area formed part of a coastal tidal flat before later uplift transformed it into part of the Alpine mountain chain.
Researchers attribute the tracks to prosauropods—early herbivorous dinosaurs characterized by long necks, relatively small heads, and strong claws. Evidence suggests that these animals often moved in coordinated groups. In several areas, hand impressions appear alongside footprints, indicating that the dinosaurs may have paused and rested on their forelimbs.
Because the site lies in a remote and inaccessible area, documentation and study will rely on drones and remote sensing technologies. The discovery significantly enhances understanding of prehistoric life in the Alpine region and highlights the scientific importance of protected natural landscapes.

Published on: 16-12-2025

Edited by: Abdulmnam Samakie

Source: BBC