Dig Into Past Fascinates Thousands : Fossils: Tourists can see the experts at work in Nebraska park that offers a glimpse of animal life 10 million years ago.

Scientists are uncovering a snapshot of life 10 million years ago--and entertaining thousands--as they dig up skeletons of prehistoric creatures killed in their tracks by a cloud of volcanic ash.

At Ashfall Fossil Beds Historical Park, visitors gather around the ash pit as the paleontologists uncover fossils from a grassland where such creatures as rhinoceroses, three-toed horses, saber-toothed tigers and camels once roamed.

“The people are almost looking over your shoulder,” said Mike Voorhies, one of several University of Nebraska paleontologists working at the park. “I can reach up and hand people samples of the ash.”

Since the park opened June 1, more than 14,500 people from 46 states and 18 foreign countries have visited, said Rick Otto, park superintendent.

“It’s incredible that down under this ash there is this treasure,” said Lana Stickmey, a Kearney, Neb., teacher who visited recently.

Among other discoveries, scientists found fossils of a mother and baby rhinoceros standing nose to nose and a baby rhino in a nursing position. They also uncovered evidence of meat-eating animals scavenging the rhino carcasses.

Scientists exposed rhinos, three-toed horses and other skeletons, which were left where they were found.

Scientists theorize that a huge volcano in what is now southwestern Idaho erupted, and ash was carried into Nebraska. Many of the animals were believed to have been at a water hole, where they suffocated over about two weeks.

Stickmey said she got a look at some volcanic ash under a microscope during her visit and could see how the sharp particles could have torn at the animals’ breathing passages.

The work at Ashfall is the first dig at the site in 13 years. When the pit was discovered in 1978, 100 rhinos were removed in the first major excavation.

Officials are amazed at the size of the crowds, considering the park is about 135 miles from Omaha in northeastern Nebraska. Six miles of the trip from Omaha are on a gravel road.

About 250 visitors a day came during the week in the summer, with as many as 600 a day on weekends. Admission is $1, and parking costs $2.25 a day or $10.25 for an annual pass.

At any one time, up to 150 people can watch from an enclosed area as scientists dig.

“Most of them are just awe-struck,” said paleontologist Gregory Brown.

About $500,000 in private donations were used to buy the land and build the park, which includes a visitor center and gift shop.