John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Sheep Rock, with the John Day River in the foreground
Large rhino-like brontotheres roam a semitropical forest. Dog-sized, three-toed horses dart between the trees. The cat-like nimravid and bear dogs stalk their prey. The climate cools and forests alter to dryer grasslands. Saber tooth cats and camels get replaced by mountain lions and deer. Paleontologists learn more about the ancient animals and environment with every new fossil they discover.
Map showing location of park.
Photo by NPS Photo / Sue Anderson
Photo by NPS Photo / Scott Ritner