Looping Jurassic Sauropod Track Reveals Possible Limp in 150-Million-Year-Old Footprints

A newly documented sauropod trackway near Ouray, Colorado, preserves a continuous loop of over 130 footprints spanning 95.5 meters, offering a rare glimpse into Jurassic locomotion. Led by Anthony Romilio of the University of Queensland's Dinosaur Lab, the team employed drones to capture high-resolution images, which were converted into a millimeter-accurate 3D model for detailed analysis. The dinosaur initially moved northeast, completed a tight circular turn, and then continued in the same direction, all while displaying a variable stride width that alternated between narrow and wide placements.

Additionally, a persistent 10-centimeter disparity between left- and right-side steps was recorded, raising the possibility of a limp or side preference. Co-author Paul Murphey of the San Diego Natural History Museum emphasized the value of such long trackways for uncovering nuanced gait patterns. The project received support from the U.S. Forest Service and demonstrates the potential of modern imaging techniques to unlock behavioral insights from ancient trace fossils.