Footprints of crocodile-like prehistoric reptile found in Italian Alps. Fossilized track dates back to period immediately following mass extinction 252m years ago.

[Money & Finance]

Footprints believed to have belonged to a crocodile-like prehistoric reptile have been found in the Italian Alps in an extraordinary discovery that scientists say proves there were survivors of a mass extinction 252m years ago.

The first footprints were found in rocks in the area in 2008, with the scientists continuing their exploration over the following years until they had the complete set of prints needed to identify the animal.

"The fossil footprints were found in a kind of very wet sediment in which they could be preserved," said Massimo Bernardi, a palaeontologist at Muse.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/15/footprints-of-crocodile-like-prehistoric-reptile-found-in-italian-alps