An unexpected miracle: Burning Man festival turned into a desert of dinosaur shrimp

By Tychyna TetianaOct 9, 2023 14:53 PMNews
Share:
An unexpected miracle: Burning Man festival turned into a desert of dinosaur shrimp
Triops. Source: wikipedia

The famous Burning Man festival in 2023 was marked by several surprises. First, torrential rains turned the usually arid Black Rock Desert into a wet hellish landscape, with thousands of people trapped in water.

But that's not all, as the powerful downpours caused three-eyed "dinosaur shrimp" to emerge from the ground. These creatures are also known as tadpole shrimp, or triops, according to the NewYorkPost article.

The unexpected guests created an amazing landscape. When they began to appear from the ground in front of the dumbfounded festival visitors. The swamp that the desert had turned into turned out to be an oasis for these unusual shrimps.

Experts emphasize that triopes can stay underground for years before being stirred up by rainwater. They are waiting for a favorable opportunity to suddenly appear on the earth's surface.

The most noticeable features of tadpole shrimp are their shield-like body and a third eye used to detect changes in light and infrared waves. This makes these creatures look extremely futuristic.

However, triopes are among the oldest creatures living on earth today, as they have evolved since the time when the planet was dominated by the former supercontinent Gondwana. That's why the story about the appearance of prehistoric shrimp hatching during one of the largest festivals in the United States has made a lot of noise.

Some even compared the situation to a plot from a bad horror movie. However, experts say that these creatures pose no threat to humans. Instead, they prefer to feed on plant material, algae, and even mosquito larvae.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Private yacht sailing across turquoise Mediterranean waters

New €88,000 Tour Retraces Homer’s Odyssey

Jul 24, 2026 04:29 AM
Close-up portrait of a grey wolf

Wolf Sightings Prompt Tourist Advice in Denmark

Jul 24, 2026 04:16 AM

French Beach Town Targets Late-Night Drinking

Jul 24, 2026 04:03 AM

More Direct Winter Flights Take Off From Berlin

Jul 24, 2026 03:57 AM
ScotRail train waiting at a station platform

ScotRail Adds Late Trains for Edinburgh Festival Nights

Jul 24, 2026 03:44 AM
Air France Paris Stopover promotional graphic

Long Paris Layovers Can Now Include a City Break

Jul 23, 2026 23:51 PM
Clouds viewed through an aircraft window

US Lawmakers Push Permanent Ban on In-Flight Calls

Jul 23, 2026 23:48 PM
Amasya riverside houses beneath ancient rock tombs

Turkey Passport Rule Could Stop Brits at the Gate

Jul 23, 2026 23:35 PM
Air France passenger aircraft in flight

Air France Cancels Flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Beirut

Jul 23, 2026 23:22 PM

Glasgow Gets a Direct Route to Spain’s Food Capital

Jul 23, 2026 23:19 PM

Győr Gets a One-Hour Link to Bratislava Airport

Jul 23, 2026 23:06 PM
Two hikers walking towards snowy mountains

This New European Trail Is Ten Everests High

Jul 23, 2026 22:53 PM
Two giant pandas eating bamboo

Pandas Lead Travellers’ Wildlife Wish Lists

Jul 23, 2026 22:47 PM
WestJet aircraft flying over snowy mountains

WestJet’s Winter Map Adds Five New Sun Routes

Jul 23, 2026 22:34 PM
Bauhaus-inspired room at the Leipzig hotel

A Bauhaus-Inspired Hotel Opens Beside Leipzig Station

Jul 23, 2026 22:21 PM

Belfast Opens a UK-First Car Park for Blue Badge Holders

Jul 23, 2026 22:18 PM

Jet2 Brings La Rochelle Within Direct Reach

Jul 22, 2026 23:15 PM
Tower of London beside the River Thames

Tower of London Plans £70m Visitor Upgrade

Jul 21, 2026 22:02 PM
Passenger looking through a European train window

Europe by Train: Which Rail Pass Do You Need?

Jul 21, 2026 21:59 PM
Cruise boats beside Budapest’s Buda riverfront

Low Danube Levels Disrupt Summer River Cruises

Jul 21, 2026 21:46 PM
Representatives beside a Loganair-branded ALIA CX300

Loganair Targets 2029 for Electric Flights

Jul 21, 2026 21:33 PM
Officials beside a China Eastern Airbus A350

Shanghai Becomes Dublin’s Longest Non-Stop

Jul 21, 2026 21:27 PM

Stansted Names Five Alternatives to Europe’s Summer Hotspots

Jul 20, 2026 23:54 PM

Amalfi Coast Coach Ban Puts Ravello Trips in Doubt

Jul 20, 2026 23:41 PM
Cefalù beach with striped umbrellas and historic seaside town in Italy

Europe’s Beach Rules Could Cost You This Summer

Jul 20, 2026 23:38 PM
Frankfurt skyline across the River Mai

Vienna and Frankfurt Get Easier from Cluj

Jul 20, 2026 03:05 AM