Vertebrate Paleontology

Research Curator: Dr. William A. Akersten

The Vertebrate Paleontology Collection is the State of Idaho repository for vertebrate fossils. This collection contains over 40,000 catalogued specimens from Idaho and other regional areas. Over 8,000 specimens are from the American Falls Local Fauna, a rich Pleistocene fauna represented by mammoths, giant ground sloths, camels, horses, and bison.

The collection is used by the faculty and students of Idaho State University as well as by other researchers from the region and worldwide. This collection is central to the Museum's research, exhibits, and educational programs in the discipline of paleontology.