Fossilist Update // Digging at Historic Como Bluffs.
As the sun rises over the seemingly desolate prairie of Wyoming, the Fossilist team arrives at the historic Como Bluffs. This landscape, stereotypical of Wyoming's vast expanses, holds secrets that have captivated paleontologists for over a century.
A Journey Through Time
Over 100 years ago, this very spot was the battleground for the infamous "Bone Wars." Paleontologist pioneers Marsh and Cope ventured into these western territories, then barely part of the United States, driven by an insatiable curiosity for prehistoric giants we now know as dinosaurs. Their rivalry, marked by sabotage and fierce competition, laid the groundwork for modern paleontology.
Fast forward to July 2023, and our team finds themselves standing on this hallowed ground, about to meet Andre Lujan and his crew for the first time. We'd heard whispers of Andre's time on "Dino Hunters," but nothing prepared us for the experience that awaited us.
Andre and his team aren't your typical paleontologists. These experts are hired for their unique skills in excavating dinosaurs across various formations in the United States. Their mission at Como Bluffs? To unearth fossil treasures from the Morrison Formation, the former home to countless dinosaur species including Allosaurus, Apatosaurus, Camarasaurus, Stegosaurus, and potentially undiscovered species.
The Dig Begins
As we began our four-day shoot at the start of their 30-day dig, the excitement was immense. The prospect of large bones emerging from the hillside, their distinct bluish-purple color a beacon of discovery, kept all eyes peeled to the ground (while cautiously watching for rattlesnakes, of course).
Within just a few days, the team opened two new quarries. "Allo 23" yielded Allosaurus material, while "Sauro 22" revealed numerous large pieces of an unknown sauropod, some lightly articulated, others scattered across the deposit.
A Moment of Pure Joy
Our team remembers a specifically precious moment out in the field. Noah, a member of Andre's crew, found his very first Camarasaurus tooth. His face lit up like a seven-year-old, reminding us of the power dinosaurs have to awaken the most primal sense of discovery and wonder in all of us, regardless of age.
Paleontology for All
Throughout our time at Como Bluffs, Andre made one thing clear: paleontology is for everybody. These curiosities of the past don't belong solely to the ivory tower of academia or in the living rooms of celebrities —they belong to all of us. As humans, we all deserve to know the history of our planet, and paleontology should be a door with no lock and chain.
As the sun set on our final day, with Andre's crew belting out "Snake Farm" on their karaoke machine against the backdrop of Elkhorn Mountain and silently turning wind turbines, we were struck by the juxtaposition of past and present. The daily winds of Wyoming crept up, reminding us of the timeless nature of this landscape.
We left Como Bluffs changed, our appreciation for the dedicated souls who pursue prehistory across this sunbaked, wind-scoured expanse deeper than any fossil bed. As our vehicles kicked up dust on the lonely road back, someone in our crew murmured, "F___ing love Wyoming." The statement hung in the air, a mixture of sarcasm and sincerity that perfectly encapsulated our experience. And in that moment, exhausted, sunburnt, and filled with the thrill of discovery, we realized the truth behind those words. Despite the harsh conditions, the grueling work, and the unforgiving landscape - or perhaps because of them - we found ourselves nodding in agreement. Yeah, we thought. We love Wyoming.
Join the Journey
"Fossilist" is more than just a film—it's an invitation to join the exciting world of paleontology. Here's how you can be part of this prehistoric adventure:
1. Visit www.fossilistfilm.com to learn more and make a donation
2. Follow @FossilistFilm on Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes content
3. Share our story with fellow dinosaur enthusiasts
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us unearth the past and shape the future of paleontology. Together, we can explore the question: Who really owns the dinosaurs?
