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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Alaska Geological Society

Abstract


Alaska Geological Society 2001 Geology Symposium, 2001
Page 28

Fossil bird and mammal footprints from the Chickaloon Formation of Southcentral Alaska - Abstract

Kevin C. May1

Fossil bird and mammal footprints have been documented from the Paleocene to Eocene Chickaloon Formation of Southcentral Alaska. These ichnofossils are the first reported evidence for the presence of birds and mammals in Southcentral Alaska during the Early Tertiary. Footprints have been observed in-situ and as float at 25 localities along the southern margin of the Talkeetna Mountains, between Hicks Creek and Buffalo Mine. Trackways and individual prints occur in sandstones and siltstones as natural molds and casts. Three print morphologies can be recognized with confidence. These include three- and five-digit prints of mammalian origin and three-digit prints produced by birds. Five additional print morphologies are present but are currently represented by single or poorly preserved specimens.

Acknowledgments and Associated Footnotes

1 Kevin C. May: University of Alaska Museum and Department of Geology and Geophysics, Box 756960, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK. 99775-6960

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