La Brea Tar Pits

La Brea Tar Pits
Methane gas bubble emerging at La Brea Tar Pits (2004)
Map showing the location of La Brea Tar Pits
Map showing the location of La Brea Tar Pits
Location in Los Angeles
Map showing the location of La Brea Tar Pits
Map showing the location of La Brea Tar Pits
La Brea Tar Pits (California)
Map showing the location of La Brea Tar Pits
Map showing the location of La Brea Tar Pits
La Brea Tar Pits (the United States)
LocationHancock Park, Los Angeles, US
Coordinates34°03′46″N 118°21′22″W / 34.0628°N 118.356°W / 34.0628; -118.356
Official website
Official nameHancock Park La Brea[1]
Reference no.170
Designated1964
Small tar pit

La Brea Tar Pits is an active paleontological research site in urban Los Angeles. Hancock Park was formed around a group of tar pits where natural asphalt (also called asphaltum, bitumen, or pitch; brea in Spanish) has seeped up from the ground for tens of thousands of years. Over many centuries, the bones of trapped animals have been preserved. The George C. Page Museum is dedicated to researching the tar pits and displaying specimens from the animals that died there. La Brea Tar Pits is a registered National Natural Landmark.

  1. ^ "Hancock Park". Office of Historic Preservation, California State Parks. Retrieved October 7, 2012.