The ancient footprints found in White Sands National Park are believed to be the oldest direct evidence of human presence in the Americas, dating back to between 21,000 and 23,000 years ago. These footprints were discovered at the edge of an ancient lakebed in the park and are slowly being destroyed by erosion. The footprints are made of white gypsum sand and are so soft that they can be cut with a butter knife. The footprints have been found coexisting and interacting with extinct ice age animals, such as giant sloths and dire wolves. The footprints have been dated using radiocarbon analysis of layers of seeds found below and above the layers of footprints. The estimated age of the footprints was first reported in Science in 2021, but some researchers raised concerns about the dates. However, a new study presents two additional lines of evidence for the older date range, using ancient conifer pollen and quartz grains found at the site.
There is no information available on the positive or negative aspects of the ancient footprints found in White Sands National Park. Additionally, there is no information available on the ingredients or materials used to create the footprints, as they are natural formations made of gypsum sand.
