11-Year-Old Finds and Names 48M-Year-Old Fossil in Wyoming

Touren Pope's casual rock hunt led to the discovery of a well-preserved softshell turtle fossil.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An 11-year-old boy named Touren Pope discovered a 48-million-year-old softshell turtle fossil while searching for rocks with his grandparents on Bureau of Land Management land in southwest Wyoming. After initially thinking it was just a rock, Touren's mother, an amateur geologist, recognized the significance of the find. Touren was invited to help with the excavation and was even given the chance to name the specimen, which he dubbed "Little Timmy." The fossil is now housed at the Tate Geological Museum.

Why it matters

This discovery highlights the important role that members of the public can play in preserving paleontological records, especially on public lands. Touren's sharp eye and decision to report the fossil helped ensure that a significant piece of Wyoming's ancient history was preserved for further study and public display.

The details

While searching for quartz crystals and other rocks in September, Touren Pope spotted what experts now say is a 48-million-year-old softshell turtle fossil that was nearly complete. At first, Touren and his grandparents weren't sure what he had found, but Touren's mother, amateur geologist Tessa Patterson, recognized the significance of the discovery. Paleontology staff from the Rock Springs Field Office confirmed that the fossil was well-preserved and would have been at risk of destruction if it had not been reported.

  • In September, Touren Pope discovered the fossil while searching for rocks with his grandparents.
  • Paleontology staff from the Rock Springs Field Office quickly determined the find was a 48-million-year-old softshell turtle fossil.

The players

Touren Pope

An 11-year-old boy who discovered the 48-million-year-old softshell turtle fossil while searching for rocks with his grandparents.

Tessa Patterson

Touren's mother, an amateur geologist who recognized the significance of the fossil find.

Tate Geological Museum

The museum where the "Little Timmy" fossil is now housed and available for researchers and visitors.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It blew all of our minds.”

— Tessa Patterson, Touren's mother, amateur geologist (Wyoming Public Media)

“We basically just pulled it out and then carried it some distance to a truck. Then we had lunch—best part.”

— Touren Pope (Your Wyoming Link)

What’s next

The fossil, named "Little Timmy" by Touren, is now available for researchers and visitors at the Tate Geological Museum.

The takeaway

This discovery demonstrates the valuable role that members of the public can play in preserving important paleontological finds, especially on public lands. Touren's keen observation and willingness to report the fossil helped ensure that a significant piece of Wyoming's ancient history was preserved for further study and public appreciation.