Hiker uncovers ancient ecosystem predating dinosaurs in Italian Alps

A hiker in the Italian Alps discovered a prehistoric ecosystem that predates dinosaurs, revealed by melting snow. The find includes well-preserved footprints of reptiles and amphibians dating back 280 million years to the Permian period. The discovery was made in the Valtellina Orobie mountain range during summer 2023. The hiker, Claudia Steffensen, noticed unusual patterns on a rock, which led to further investigation by paleontologists. Experts noted the exceptional quality and variety of the fossils. The fossils were airlifted from the site last month. Researchers linked the discovery to climate change, as rising temperatures have melted ice, exposing the fossils. They anticipate finding more tracks and fossils in the future.