This new display came from the Bakersfield area and is similar to what has been found at the famous La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles. This small sample displays many bones from animals that were trapped and died in a tar pit 4000 to 8000 years ago.
Natural occurring crude oil derived from ancient marine sediments seeped upward along faults. The seeps formed pools in low-lying areas. As the volatiles dispersed into the air, the oil began to thicken and change into tar. During the heat of the summer the semi-solid tar turned softer and stickier. Leaves, dust and water would have camouflaged the surface of the tar and partially obscured it from view. Thirsty and wandering animals would unknowingly venture into the tar and get stuck. Carnivores would attack the mired, helpless animals and also be trapped. Scavengers, looking for an easy meal, would also risk entrapment as they fed on the dead. After the animal remains decayed, their skeletons submerged into the tar. Over time, as more and more animals became trapped, the skeletons of previously stuck animals would be mixed up or disarticulated by the struggling and trampling of later victims.
This specimen contains the fossil bones of a variety of animals. You may find bones from snakes, frogs, tortoises, hawks, eagles, turkeys, vultures, horses, bison, pronghorn, camels, llamas, peccaries, dire wolves, short-faced bears, lions, saber-toothed cats, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, pumas, rabbits, ground squirrels, and other animal bone parts and pieces. Insects, such as beetles, and woody plant remains are also preserved in this specimen.