The Extraordinary Dinosaur Graveyard in Alberta

Imagine uncovering a dinosaur cemetery, but not in a dusty desert—rather, in a serene Canadian forest! Welcome to the Pipestone Creek bone bed, where tens of thousands of bones from a peculiar horned dinosaur, Pachyrhinosaurus, lie waiting to unlock their secrets.

The Return of a Classic: Walking With Dinosaurs

This incredible site is the star of a new episode in the beloved BBC series "Walking With Dinosaurs," making its long-awaited comeback over two decades later. We had the chance to chat with Professor Emily Bamforth, a leading paleontologist from Alberta's Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, who’s making waves with her groundbreaking research on Pachyrhinosaurus.

Meet Pachyrhinosaurus: The Oddball Dinosaur

While it might not roll off your tongue, Pachyrhinosaurus is a remarkable member of the ceratopsian family—like a quirky cousin to the famous Triceratops. Unlike its horned relatives, Pachyrhinosaurus boasted a distinct bony bump on its nose, nicknamed a ‘boss.’ Gonzales argues they aren't just flashy features; these variations might have helped the dinosaurs recognize each other within their densely populated herds.

A Bone Bed Like No Other!

What makes this fossil site truly astonishing? The astonishingly high density of its bones! Over 10,000 specimens are preserved here, which translates to an overwhelming 100 to 300 bones per square meter across a sprawling area the size of a square kilometer. This makes Pipestone Creek one of the most significant bone beds in North America!

How Did They All Die?

But with such a rich array of fossils comes a perplexing mystery: how did they all perish simultaneously? According to Bamforth, this herd likely fell victim to a catastrophic event around 72 million years ago, long before the asteroid apocalypse we usually attribute to dinosaur extinction. Evidence suggests they were victims of a massive flooding event, possibly triggered by torrential rains or a powerful storm. Imagine a flash flood on an unimaginable scale!

The aftermath: A Feast for Predators

The aftermath? A treasure trove for scavengers! With the herd buried almost instantaneously, their remains provided a buffet for theropods like Albertosaurus, making the site a vital ecosystem where life continued even amidst death.

Unprecedented Insights into Dinosaur Life

Finding thousands of dinosaur skeletons in one layer is a rarity in paleontology, opening doors to exploring intraspecific variation—the differences among individuals within the same species. From sizes to distinctive skull frills, researchers like Bamforth are piecing together the complex social dynamics of Pachyrhinosaurus herds.

The Evolution of Paleontology: A New Era

Since the original airing of "Walking With Dinosaurs,") paleontology has transformed dramatically. No longer just hunting for bones, scientists are now unraveling the intricate relationships these creatures had with their ecosystems, fueled by advances in technology and the ever-growing public fascination with dinosaurs. The Pipestone Creek bone bed is a testament to that evolution, revealing that dinosaurs still hold an abundance of mysteries ready to be uncovered!

About the Expert

Professor Emily Bamforth, not only a paleontologist but also a curator at the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum, extends her expertise as an adjunct professor at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Alberta. Her dedication to understanding these prehistoric wonders continues to inspire.