Wildlife Photographer Discovers Thousands of Dinosaur Footprints in Italy

A wildlife photographer made a groundbreaking discovery in northern Italy, uncovering one of the most significant collections of dinosaur footprints known to date. The footprints, which date back approximately 210 million years to the Triassic Period, were found in the Stelvio National Park, near the town of Bormio, the site of the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics.

This remarkable find consists of an estimated 20,000 footprints spread across a distance of about three miles. Experts believe this area, once a prehistoric coastal region located near the Swiss border, has never previously yielded dinosaur tracks. According to Cristiano Dal Sasso, a paleontologist at Milan’s Natural History Museum, “This time reality really surpasses fantasy.”

The footprints are attributed to long-necked bipedal herbivores similar to a Plateosaurus, which could reach lengths of up to 33 feet and weigh as much as 4 tons. Some of the tracks measure 40 centimeters in width and display distinct claw marks.

In a press conference held in Milan, Dal Sasso elaborated on the implications of the discovery. The tracks indicate that these dinosaurs traveled in groups and occasionally formed circular formations, likely as a protective strategy. He noted, “There are very obvious traces of individuals that have walked at a slow, calm, quiet rhythmic pace, without running.”

The discovery occurred when photographer Elio Della Ferrera set out to capture images of local wildlife, including deer and vultures, in September 2025. While aiming his camera at a vertical wall nearly 2,000 feet above the nearest road, he noticed something unusual.

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

The footprints were positioned at elevations ranging from 7,900 to 9,200 feet above sea level, making them challenging to spot without specialized equipment. The location is primarily shaded, enhancing the difficulty of visibility, according to Dal Sasso.

The site of the discovery is located just a mile from Bormio, where Men’s Alpine skiing events will take place during the Olympic Games, scheduled from February 6 to 22, 2026. The regional governor of Lombardy, Attilio Fontana, praised the find as a “gift for the Olympics,” even though the site is too remote for winter access. Plans for public access to the footprints have yet to be established.

The discovery not only provides valuable insight into the behavior and movement of prehistoric creatures but also adds a captivating element to the region’s cultural and natural heritage as it prepares to welcome visitors for the Winter Olympics.