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Yoho today ranks as highly among geologists as it does among hikers and railway buffs, thanks to the world-renowned Burgess Shales , an almost unique geological formation situated close to Field village. The shales - layers of sedimentary rock - lie on the upper slopes of Mount Field and consist of the fossils of some 120 types of soft-bodied marine creatures from the Middle Cambrian period (515-530 million years ago), one of only three places in the world where the remains of these unusual creatures are found. Soft-bodied creatures usually proved ill-suited to the fossilization process, but in the Burgess Shales the fossils are so well preserved and detailed that in some cases scientists can identify what the creatures were eating before they died. Plans are in hand to open a major new museum in Field devoted to the Shales, but in the meantime access is restricted to protect the fossils, and fossil-hunting, needless to say, is strictly prohibited. The area can only be seen on two strenuous guided hikes to Walcott's Quarry and the Trilobite beds. The walks are led by qualified guides, limited to fifteen people and run between late June and October. For details and reservations, contact the Yoho Burgess Shale Foundation (tel 1-800/343-3006).
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