A casual hiker in the Italian Alps found a prehistoric ecosystem that is believed to be millions of years old.
The hiker, Claudia Steffensen, and his wife found tracks that go back to at least 280 million years, way before dinosaurs roamed on this planet.
The couple was exploring the Valtellina Orobie mountains when they stumbled upon an unusual rock covered in “strange designs.”
What Were The Strange Designs?
Initially, Steffensen thought it was just a normal rock with natural designs but after looking closely, they found something stunning.
The designs were footprints from the Permian period, predating even the dinosaurs. “I thought it was cement at first,” Steffensen shared.
“Then I noticed circular patterns and realized they were tracks.”
Archeologists Confirmed The Discovery
Experts confirmed these belonged to prehistoric reptiles and amphibians.
They found more footprints and plant fossils later at altitudes as high as 3,000 meters.
The prints, some showing fingernail and belly-skin details, represent at least five species.
