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La Brea Tar Pits Photo Essay

Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.

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An archaeologist examines for micro-fossils.

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A crowd checks out the fossil history at the La Brea Tarpits.

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Pit 91 is the current major excavation project.

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A sabre-toothed cat display.

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The tar pits slowly release methane gas as organic matter breaks down far below the surface.

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The Woodward Eagle is the largest eagle species known to mankind, and its fossils have only been found in the La Brea Tar Pits here in Los Angeles.

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