What is Pit 91?

More than 100 tar pits are located within the 23 acres of Hancock Park.  While most were excavated in the early 1900's, Pit 91 was reopened in 1969, and work continues there today.  During the '98 excavation, more than 1,000 fossils were recovered, including three saber-toothed cat skulls, four dire wolf skulls, and bones from giant ground sloths, horses, bison, coyotes, birds, rodents and even some insect and plant fossils.  Pit 91 is 28' x 28', approximately 14 feet deep, and the excavation area is divided into 3' square grids.  The fossil deposit is believed to continue for another 5 to 8 feet.

What happens to the excavated fossils?

Excavated fossils are brought to the Paleontology Laboratory at the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, where the public can watch scientists carefully clean, identify, label and catalogue the fossils. These are then available for research by professionals and students from around the world.

Who excavates the fossils?

Staff paleontologists and volunteers work tirelessly in Pit 91.  People interested in learning first-hand what it's like to be a paleontologist can volunteer at the Museum's fossil laboratory.  For more information on becoming a laboratory volunteer at the Page Museum, the public can call (323) 857-6300 ext 120. 

When is Pit 91 open?

Excavation work in Pit 91 has been temporarily suspended.

The Pit 91 Site will still be open for viewing as staffing permits, and will continue to be a stop on our docent-led park tours.