### Discovery of Ancient Dinosaur Footprints Near Winter Olympics Venue Sparks Excitement In a remarkable find, wildlife photographer Elio Della Ferrera has uncovered thousands of dinosaur footprints in Italy's Stelvio National Park, dating back approximately 210 million years to the Triassic Period. This discovery, made near the site of the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, has drawn significant attention from paleontologists and the public alike. The footprints, some measuring up to 40 cm in diameter, are arranged in long, parallel rows across steep mountain walls, indicating the presence of large bipedal herbivores, likely similar to Plateosaurus [https://www.apnews.com/article/italy-dinosaur-footprints-olympics-bipedal-herbivores-5a6ab5e5c68398716d339dba56a04112]. ### Structure of the Discovery and Its Implications 1. **Discovery Context**: - The footprints were found by Della Ferrera while he was photographing wildlife, specifically deer and vultures, in September 2025. The site is located at a high altitude of over 2,000 meters in the Italian Alps [https://www.npr.org/2025/12/17/nx-s1-5647391/dinosaur-tracks-italy-olympics]. 2. **Scientific Significance**: - Experts have described this site as one of the largest and oldest collections of dinosaur footprints in Italy, with estimates suggesting there are up to 20,000 individual tracks spanning several kilometers [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/dinosaur-footprints-italy-winter-olympics-b2886209.html]. 3. **Public Interest and Future Plans**: - The Lombardy regional governor, Attilio Fontana, has referred to the discovery as a "gift for the Olympics," although plans for public access to the site have yet to be established [https://www.apnews.com/article/italy-dinosaur-footprints-olympics-bipedal-herbivores-5a6ab5e5c68398716d339dba56a04112]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Footprint Characteristics**: - Footprints are approximately 40 cm in diameter, indicating the size of the dinosaurs that made them [https://www.greaterkashmir.com/national/ancient-dinosaur-footprints-discovered-in-italys-stelvio-national-park]. - **Geographical Context**: - The discovery is located in the Stelvio National Park, a region that will host various Winter Olympic events, enhancing its visibility and significance [https://www.wesa.fm/2025-12-19/thousands-of-dinosaur-footprints-found-in-italy-near-next-years-winter-olympics-venue]. ### Conclusion: A Historic Find with Lasting Impact The discovery of thousands of dinosaur footprints in Italy not only provides a glimpse into the prehistoric world but also enhances the cultural and scientific landscape ahead of the Winter Olympics. 1. **Significance of the Find**: The footprints represent a significant paleontological discovery, shedding light on the behavior and movement of dinosaurs during the Triassic Period. 2. **Potential for Public Engagement**: As the site gains attention, it could become a focal point for educational initiatives and tourism, particularly in conjunction with the Winter Olympics. 3. **Future Research Opportunities**: This discovery opens avenues for further research into the ecological and environmental conditions of the Triassic period, contributing to our understanding of dinosaur evolution and behavior [https://www.greenmemag.com/science-technology/stelvio-park-a-valley-of-dinosaurs-thousands-of-footprints-reveal-a-210-million-year-old-past].