Big Bone Lick State Park Birthplace of American Vertebrate Paleontology Big Bone Lick State Park has its origins steeped in prehistoric events. Imagine ancient giant mammoths, mastodons, ground sloths, and bison roaming through mineral springs and swamps that are now grassy plains covered with trees and shrubs. That was the scene at Big Bone Lick for an 8,000-year period towards the end of the Ice Age, 12,000 to 20,000 years ago. During that time period, great ice sheets covered the North American continent just north of the Ohio River Valley. These prehistoric animals, driven southward by the prevailing ice, were attracted to the salt and minerals found in the swamp area now known as Big Bone Lick. Many of these prehistoric creatures became trapped and perished in the quagmire surrounding the swamps' ancient sulfur springs. There are no longer ancient marshes or prehistoric animals at Big Bone Lick, and the sulphur springs are slowly drying up. But the fossilized remains of these past inhabitants provide clues about life in Kentucky thousands of years ago. The discovery of the bones in the 1700s inspired a new field of study. The scientific world recognizes Big Bone Lick as the Birthplace for American Vertebrate Paleontology. Buffalo Calves The calving season is here! This is the first calf born at Big Bone Lick this season and we have three more on the way. We expect them anytime now . . . so come on out to the park and see our new additions. | |
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