Richards Spur, Paleontological site in Lawton, Oklahoma, United States
Richards Spur is a paleontological dig site in Oklahoma containing ancient limestone caves with fossil remains from the early Permian period. The location preserves skeletons of early reptiles and other vertebrates from this remote time, all trapped within the rock layers of an active quarry.
Systematic fossil collection at this site began in 1932 with the discovery of reptiles and early vertebrates. The location documents life forms nearly 300 million years old that existed before the mass extinction at the end of the Permian period.
Research findings from Richards Spur contribute essential data to paleontological studies about early terrestrial vertebrate evolution and adaptation.
The site is located within an active limestone quarry requiring special access permissions. Visitors must follow safety protocols and should contact the operator beforehand to arrange any possible viewing opportunity.
The site contains the oldest known fossilized reptile skin dated between 286 and 289 million years old. This exceptional preservation resulted from special geological conditions within the limestone caves that conserved soft tissue normally destroyed by decay.
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