Alberta Ammonite Fossil Hunting with the Fossil Kids!

[@user-zl5gi8sv7u]

Isn’t it illegal to collect any fossil in canada

[@albertafossilfamily]

hey there! Thanks for watching! You can not collect any fossils or other such protected items in national or federally controlled parks in Canada. You also should never go on private land without permission. Each province has its own regulations when it comes to Fossils or protected items. Alberta's law states that you become the custodian of the fossil. You keep it, but you don't own it... The Royal tyrell Museum of Paleontology does. Should you desire to take it outside Canada, you will need to obtain a disposition permit. This releases the fossil to you...then you're good to go. If the Fossil is historically significant, the museum will take it! If they display it, you will receive credit as the donor!! Very cool!!

[@ericzboya5580]

How high is the Oldman these days? Is this area accessible. I would love to come down with my son, but don’t know how high the river is.

[@albertafossilfamily]

Hi Eric! Oldman river can be deep in some parts and sometimes fast moving! The trouble is that this river will constantly change from season to season and so does the bearpaw screed exposures! Best to have 2 adults if you have young kids. The shore line can be close so be prepared to get your feet wet! Always looking up first before moving forward to make sure your not in the way of tumbling failures!

[@kevingoldie5137]

How do you clean them up ?

[@albertafossilfamily]

Hi Kevin, Thanks for watching! They can be gently scrubbed with water, and soft bristles, but they may crumble depending on the preservation. Ultimately, once dried you can completely spray the specimen with a clear gloss paint spray. This will preserve them enough for your fossil collection! Once the resting fossil chunk is taken from water, oxygen will begin the process of converting Aragonite (gemstone) to Calcite! Act quick!

[@kevingoldie5137]

I have found some along the oldman river

[@albertafossilfamily]

@@kevingoldie5137 Awesome! Have you hunted anywhere else in AB for Ammonite?