Frank Garcia (paleontologist)


Frank A. Garcia is an American paleontologist who discovered more than 30 prehistoric species.

Biography

Garcia was born in New York, New York. He attributes his interest in dinosaurs to going a library in west Tampa, Florida, and opening up a book about dinosaurs when he eight-years old. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Tampa, Florida in 1964.
In 1979, Garcia worked as chief investigator for the Smithsonian Institution, collecting prehistoric sea cows, whales, and dolphins.
In June 1983, Garcia discovered of one of biggest fossil finds in North America. Later, fossil experts described it to be one of the most significant paleontological finds discovering 1.5 million year old prehistoric graveyard of what was once a bed of a prehistoric river that had attracted a wide range of animals.
During his fossil hunting career in Florida, Garcia discovered more than 30 previously unknown species of prehistoric creatures.

Personal life

Garcia retired from fossil hunting in Florida to move to Black Hills where he still hunts for fossils. He is a frequent collaborator with Peter Larson and Robert T. Bakker.