Many scientists have developed techniques and ways on where to find fossils. However, it is a task which requires much patience and extreme care, to avoid damaging the fragile fossilized bones.

Firstly, you must prepare well. It is indispensable to have a detailed geological set of data on the zone you are thinking of exploring and believe there to be fossils in. Paleontologists usually search in areas where there is an abundance of sedimentary rock. For example in zones where there is volcanic rock it is almost pointless to look for fossils. On the other hand, if there is a lot of metamorphic rock, it is possible that fossils may be among them, depending on the intensity of the metamorphosis that has occured.

You must be able to interpret a geological map to locate the most probable places in any particular region. With these maps you can find the areas which have the most sedimentary rock and therefore the highest chance of fossils. Before even setting out, you should have mocked specific places on your geological map.

Obviously, while searching for fossils in the field you must comply with basic regulations on the conservation of nature but, furthermore, you must bear in mind the importance of the fossils, which are our only witnesses to the past life of the planet earth. Acting with respect and sufficient care, the collection of fossils is worthwhile. If a fossil is found and the details of its location not marked down, it is much less useful.

When collecting the fossils in the field, you should also take care to protect yourself with glasses and gloves, as when digging it is common for bits of earth to spray up. If you do find a fossil while digging, you should clean it immediately, right down the exact location where it was found and the type and depth of rock. Also you should make a note of the date and the name of the person who found it.

After retrieving the fossil, great care should be taken in its conservation, especially when you consider that it has taken hundreds of thousands of years to form.