The so-called “tar pits” of Rancho La Brea are found in the heart of Los Angeles, California. It is the site where the remains of plants and animals were fossilized during the latest part of the last Ice Age, some 11,000-50,000 years ago. The most celebrated species recovered include giant ground sloths, mammoths, and saber tooth cats. We will touch on these and many more species that tell the deep time story of Old Los Angeles and which defines the importance of Rancho La Brea in the scheme of North American Vertebrate Paleontology.

Location: Idaho Museum of Natural History, Discovery Room, 698 E. Dillon Street. Parking in the General lot with the NKA parking permit or in the marked Museum parking spaces.

Class Limit: 15

Class Fee: None for the class. There will be a $2.00 charge if you wish to tour the Museum’s current display in the main gallery.

How and when to pay: Pay the cashier at the Museum entrance