Photographer Uncovers 20,000 Dinosaur Footprints in Italy

A wildlife photographer made a remarkable discovery in Italy’s **Stelvio National Park**, uncovering approximately **20,000 dinosaur footprints** from the **Triassic Period**, dating back about **210 million years**. Situated near **Bormio**, the site is part of the region that will host events during the upcoming **2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics**. The announcement was made on Tuesday, highlighting the significance of this find.

The footprints stretch over three miles along a northern-facing rock wall, previously a coastal area during the dinosaurs’ time. This location, near the **Swiss border**, had never been known to yield dinosaur tracks. **Cristiano Dal Sasso**, a paleontologist at **Milan’s Natural History Museum**, expressed his astonishment, stating, “This time reality really surpasses fantasy.”

The footprints are believed to have been left by long-necked bipedal herbivores, similar to a **Plateosaurus**, which could reach up to **33 feet** in length and weigh as much as **4 tons**. Some of the prints measure **40 centimeters** in width and feature visible claw marks, providing insight into the creatures’ size and movement.

The discovery occurred in **September 2025** when **Elio Della Ferrera** was photographing local wildlife, including deer and vultures. His attention was drawn to a vertical wall nearly **2,000 feet** above the nearest road. Despite the challenging location, which lies between **7,900 to 9,200 feet** above sea level, the numerous footprints were visible yet difficult to spot without specialized equipment.

Della Ferrera described the moment he noticed the unusual formations, saying, “The huge surprise was not so much in discovering the footprints, but in discovering such a huge quantity. There are really tens of thousands of prints up there, more or less well-preserved.”

The footprints suggest these dinosaurs traveled in groups, sometimes stopping in circular formations, possibly indicating protective behavior. Dal Sasso noted the evident traces of individuals moving at a “slow, calm, quiet rhythmic pace, without running,” reflecting their social habits.

The entrance to the park, where this extraordinary find was made, is located just a mile from **Bormio**, the venue for the **Men’s Alpine skiing** events during the Olympics scheduled for **February 6-22, 2026**. Governor **Attilio Fontana** of the Lombardy region praised the discovery, calling it a “gift for the Olympics.” However, he acknowledged that the site’s remote location makes it inaccessible during winter months, and there are no current plans for public access.

This significant discovery not only contributes to the understanding of the region’s prehistoric life but also enhances the cultural and historical narrative surrounding the upcoming Olympic Games. As experts continue to study the footprints, they provide a unique glimpse into a time long past, enriching both scientific knowledge and the local heritage.