Eldon George — Nova Scotian fossil collector and museum founder

Notable discoveries and specimens

George is best known for locating the world's smallest dinosaur tracks in 1984 near Parrsboro. His fieldwork also recovered a variety of fossilized footprints and body fossils that broadened knowledge of the region's ancient life. Among items reported in association with his collecting are:

• very small dinosaur footprints, including the 1984 finds that received international notice;
• numerous amphibian prints and trackways that illuminate coastal ecosystems in deep time — examples discussed in local literature and online resources (amphibian prints);
• dinosaur prints of different sizes and gaits that helped document vertebrate activity on tidal flats (dinosaur prints);
• a large single track measuring about 17 inches (approximately 45 cm) that has been interpreted as the impression of a two‑legged, crocodile‑like animal estimated by some observers to have been nearly 20 feet (about 6 m) long;
• small but scientifically interesting invertebrate fossils, including an unusual insect fossil described as having three pairs of wings and a tiny horseshoe‑crab specimen that some have considered important for understanding arthropod evolution in the area.

Many of these specimens were displayed at his Parrsboro Rock and Mineral Shop and Museum, where visitors could see examples of the Bay of Fundy's fossil heritage.

Background and methods

George began collecting as a young man and worked for decades on the region's remarkable tidal shorelines. The Bay of Fundy is famous for its extreme tides, which repeatedly expose layers of sedimentary rock containing fossils. Collectors like George typically search during low tide, examining intertidal ledges, isolated cobbles and cliff faces for impressions or preserved remains. Although self-taught, George developed extensive practical knowledge of local stratigraphy and fossil preservation.

Public outreach, recognition and legacy

Besides field finds, George is remembered for making fossils accessible to the public. His long‑running rock shop and museum in Parrsboro served both residents and tourists, offering identified specimens and interpretive explanations of the local geology. He received provincial recognition for his contributions to science and the community, including membership in the Order of Nova Scotia. His work helped raise awareness of the scientific value of Bay of Fundy exposures and inspired students and amateur collectors.

George died in Parrsboro on November 29, 2018, at the age of 87. His discoveries remain part of the broader record of Atlantic Canadian paleontology and continue to be studied, displayed, and cited in regional accounts of fossil history.

Importance and best practices

Amateur collectors like George demonstrate how non‑professional efforts can yield important finds. At the same time, modern best practices emphasize careful recording, consultation with professional paleontologists, and proper conservation of specimens so they can contribute to scientific research. The Bay of Fundy remains a productive field area for both professionals and trained amateurs who follow ethical collecting guidelines.