Why are Names of Tracks and Dinosaurs Different?
Fossil tracks are classified and named independently from fossil animals. Dinosaur State Park’s tracks are named Eubrontes. One of America’s first geologists, Edward Hitchcock, invented that name and many others in his pioneering studies of Connecticut Valley tracks. No remains of the dinosaur that made Eubrontes have been found in the Valley. However, most scientists agree that the trackmaker was a carnivorous dinosaur similar in size and shape to Dilophosaurus. The tracks range from 10 to 16 inches in length and are spaced 3.5 to 4.5 feet apart. Eubrontes is the official Connecticut State Fossil. Rock slabs bearing other kinds of Connecticut Valley fossil tracks are displayed in the Exhibit Center. Among them are the large four-toed Otozoum tracks with clearly visible skin impressions.
