Massachusetts might soon have an official state dinosaur A bunch of other states already do abc17news.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from abc17news.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Get This: Massachusetts lawmaker wants to name official state dinosaur
BOSTON (AP) A Massachusetts state lawmaker is asking for the public’s help to select an official state dinosaur.
State Rep. Jack Lewis tweeted Monday that he plans on filing the legislation on Jan. 15, adding that the effort is a good way for children to learn about the legislative process.
But first, the Framingham Democrat is asking residents to select from one of two dinosaur species discovered in Massachusetts.
Podokesaurus holyokensis, which means “swift-footed lizard of Holyoke,” was first discovered near Mount Holyoke in 1910 by Mignon Talbot, the first woman to name and describe a dinosaur, according to Lewis. The species was 3 to 6 feet (around 1 to 2 meters) in length, weighed approximately 90 pounds (40 kilograms), and was estimated to run 9 to 12 mph (14 to 19 kph).
Should Mass. name a state dinosaur? State Rep. Jack Lewis thinks so
By Charlie McKenna Globe Correspondent,Updated January 7, 2021, 1:27 p.m.
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Lewis came up with the idea for a state dinosaur
while brainstorming ideas to help his youngest childâs Cub Scout den earn its âDigging in the Pastâ adventure badge. He began reaching out to paleontologists across the state and quickly realized there was an appetite for some prehistoric education.
âIt was immediately clear to me that there was a greater interest in celebrating Massachusetts prehistoric history, helping young people understand that history and bridge the gap between interests, and maybe childhood passions and hobbies into future career paths,â Lewis said in a phone interview.