Fossil animal world's smallest footprint

Scientists have discovered the smallest fossil footprint of animals in Canada. This fossil is believed to be of a salamander-like animal that lived 315 million years ago.

The world's smallest fossil footprints of animals.

Amateur paleontologist Gloria Melanson has discovered the world's smallest animal fossil on a cliff at Joggins Beach in Nova Scotia, Canada. The fossil was identified as belonging to one of the first reptiles on Earth during the Coal Age about 300 million years ago.

'I saw a very small tail and toes. I know that we've found something very special, but I don't think that's the world's smallest animal fossil footprint , 'Gloria Melanson said on Live Science.

Fossil footprints discovered by Gloria Melanson have a very small length of only 1.6mm for the front legs and 2.4mm for the hind legs. Melanson's team thinks the fossil belongs to an ancient amphibian that has a body size of only about 8mm from the muzzle to the tail.

Scientists say fossil footprints show that the animal is in a walking position and is about to change to run. However, the team is not clear whether the individual is chasing a small insect or fleeing predators.

The world's smallest fossil footprints of animals are on display where they are found.