Angeac-Charente bonebed, Paleontological excavation site in Angeac-Charente, France
Angeac-Charente is an excavation site in western France where researchers uncover bones of dinosaurs, turtles, crocodiles, fish, flying reptiles, and amphibians. The remains date from the Early Cretaceous period and lie scattered across the dig area where scientists work methodically.
The site was discovered in 2008 during gravel extraction and preserves a 140 million year old ecosystem. Ongoing research has shown that this area once lay underwater and supported a diverse animal population.
The site reveals what the landscape looked like millions of years ago, filled with water and diverse creatures sharing the same environment. Visitors can see evidence of a tropical swamp where various species coexisted.
The site is accessible only during the excavation season, typically in summer when guided tours are available. Visitors should check in advance when digging takes place, as this varies from year to year.
The fossils date from a time when this region was a tropical swamp rather than the temperate climate seen today. This dramatic climate shift over millions of years is visible in the layers that paleontologists expose.
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