Leyton, UT: Reptile-like tracks and alleged skin fragment found in snow near
Two men discovered unusual three-toed tracks in deep snow outside their Utah home near Hill Air Force Base. They photographed the prints and collected a small specimen resembling skin. Subsequent laboratory analysis revealed the material was plant matter, not biological tissue from a reptile.
Background
In the early morning hours of January 2, 2008, two residents of Leyton, Utah, were alerted by a disturbance outside their home situated near Hill Air Force Base. Both individuals reported their cell phones ringing simultaneously with unknown caller identification.
Upon investigating, they discovered two distinct sets of footprints in eight inches of snow. One set measured approximately 2.5 feet in length, showing three digits similar to reptile prints, without any visible approach or departure marks. The second set appeared similar to deer tracks but lacked impressions of dew claws. The witnesses photographed the unusual prints with their mobile devices and recovered a small fragment from one track that seemed to consist of dermal biological material.
Researcher Derrel Sims documented the incident and facilitated scientific analysis of the specimen. Laboratory testing conducted on the material determined it consisted primarily of natural glycerol esters, carbohydrates, and protein-type compounds consistent with decaying vegetation. Fungal material was identified on the brown spots. The analysis conclusively determined the specimen was not of reptilian origin, noting that cold-blooded creatures would not remain active in winter snow conditions.