Near Interior in Jackson County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
See Ya Later, Alligator
Prehistoric alligators lived in swampy conditions, as they do today.
Physically, alligators have changed mostly in size over the last several million years. Modern alligators are larger, growing up to 14 feet long. Ancient alligators grew to only 6 1/2 feet long.
Alligators lived in the badlands area 34 - 37 million years ago when the climate was like modern-day Florida.
Alligator
Alligator
Alligators were common in the area and throughout North America. As the climate changed, alligators moved to the warm, wet environments of the southeast.
Erected by Badlands National Park, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Paleontology • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 43° 46.319′ N, 102° 0.225′ W. Marker is near Interior, South Dakota, in Jackson County. Marker is on State Highway 240. This marker is part of the Fossil Trail Exhibit. The Fossil Trail Exhibit is located 5 miles west of the Ben Reifel Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Interior SD 57750, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Off to the Races (here, next to this marker); Titanic Discovery (a few steps from this marker); Under the Sea (a few steps from this marker); Fight for Survival (within shouting distance of this marker); Dying to Become a Fossil (within shouting distance of this marker); It's a Dog's Life (within shouting distance of this marker); Reading the Rocks (within shouting distance of this marker); What a Find! (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Interior.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . . Badlands National Park. (Submitted on January 21, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota.)
Additional keywords. Alligator fossils
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 172 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 20, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. 3. submitted on January 21, 2018, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.