Find fossils the right way.

Fossil hunting is one of the few sciences anyone can do with their own two hands — but the rules really matter, for the law and for the science. This guide covers the universal golden rules and then the specifics country by country. We're starting with three; more regions follow.

The golden rules (everywhere)

• Get permission. Know whose land you're on. On private land, fossils usually belong to the owner.
• Vertebrates are usually protected. Bones, teeth, and skeletons of animals often need scientific permits — leave them and report them.
• Protected sites are off-limits. National parks, reserves, SSSIs, and national monuments have strict rules.
• Leave almost no trace. Surface finds and hand tools, minimal disturbance, and only what you're allowed to take.
• Report important finds. A rare or scientifically significant specimen belongs to everyone — tell a museum or authority.
• Never sell what you can't legally collect.

By country

More country guides on the way.