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Vermont State Fossil

White Whale

Delphinapterus leucas

Adopted:1993

Adoption of the Vermont State Fossil

Vermont State Fossil: White Whale
Delphinapterus leucas

The white whale (Delphinapterus leucas) was designated the state fossil by Act No. 66 (1993). It is a toothed whale recognized by its brilliant white to grey-white color, prominent forehead knob or "melon", and lack of a dorsal fin. The Charlotte whale was uncovered during construction of the first railroad between Rutland and Burlington in 1849. This specimen dates from approximately 12,500 years ago when the Atlantic Ocean flooded the Champlain Basin, which was depressed below sea level by huge glacial ice sheets, inundating it with marine waters. For 2500 years following that, this region existed as an arm of the Atlantic Ocean known as the Champlain Sea. This particular whale contains the most complete post-cranial remains of the Champlain specimens yet found.

------- from Office of the Secretary of State, Vermont Legislative Directory and State Manual, Biennial Session, 1993-1994, p. 24.

Source: Source: Stately Fossils: A Comprehensive Look at the State Fossils and Other Official Fossils, by Stephen Brusatte, 234 pages, Fossil News (September 2002)
State Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols: A Historical Guide Third Edition, Revised and Expanded by Benjamin F. Shearer and Barbara S. Shearer. Greenwood Press; 3 Sub edition (October 30, 2001).

Additional Information

State Fossils: Complete list of official state fossils from NETSTATE.

Stately Fossils: A Comprehensive Look at the Stat Fossils and Other Official Fossils

Stately Fossils: A Comprehensive Look at the State Fossils and Other Official Fossils

Stately Fossils: A Comprehensive Look at the State Fossils and Other Official Fossils, by Stephen Brusatte, 234 pages, Fossil News (September 2002) The only book in print on the subject of state fossils, Stately Fossils offers an in-depth treatment of the natural and cultural history behind the official fossils of every state... and more! The book contains 80 photos and over 300 references to further information.

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