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
Massive storm clouds over an open field

Loganair Cancels 19 Flights as Second Storm Approaches

Oct 22, 2026 23:37 PM
Etihad Airways Airbus A350 aircraft on a runway

Luxembourg Lands New Nonstop Flights to Abu Dhabi

Oct 22, 2026 23:24 PM

Nuremberg Gets Four London Airports in Winter Shake-Up

Oct 22, 2026 23:11 PM

A 1920s Palazzo Is Becoming Cortina’s New Hotel

Oct 22, 2026 23:09 PM
Red double-decker buses beneath Christmas angel lights on London's Regent Street

London Christmas Lights Discount Skips Christmas Week

Oct 22, 2026 22:56 PM
Stone lighthouse on a small island off the Sardinian coast

Ryanair Halves Olbia Flights as Cagliari Gains

Oct 22, 2026 22:43 PM
Petronas Twin Towers and Kuala Lumpur skyline at dusk

Frankfurt Airport Adds Kuala Lumpur Flights and More UAE Options

Oct 22, 2026 22:38 PM
Dark storm clouds hanging over an open grassy field

Loganair Offers Free Flight Changes Ahead of Storm Austen

Oct 22, 2026 22:25 PM
Brussels Airlines aircraft landing on a runway

Brussels Airlines Adds Cairo Flights With Overnight Arrivals

Oct 22, 2026 02:02 AM

Ryanair Axes 20 Routes at Brussels Airports

Oct 22, 2026 00:47 AM

Lufthansa Group Adds New US and Japan Flights for 2027

Oct 22, 2026 00:34 AM
Snow-covered mountain overlooking Tromsø's waterfront and harbour

Munich Airport Adds New Airlines and More Arctic Flights

Oct 21, 2026 01:11 AM
Reindeer wearing a harness beside a tree in a snowy forest

UK’s Biggest One-Day Christmas Market Returns With Reindeer

Oct 21, 2026 01:09 AM
Singer performing on a brightly lit stage before a large crowd at night

Brits Are Planning 2027 Holidays Around Gigs and Games

Oct 21, 2026 00:56 AM
Two railway workers reviewing documents beside tracks

Suffolk Rail Works Force Nine Days of Bus Transfers

Oct 21, 2026 00:43 AM

France Protests Bring Curfews to Paris Tourist Areas

Oct 20, 2026 22:48 PM

Bird Strike Turns easyJet Flight Into Coach Journey

Oct 19, 2026 22:35 PM
Car and motorcyclist navigating a flooded street

Balearic Storm Triggers Floods and Flight Delays

Oct 19, 2026 21:22 PM
Jet2 aircraft on an airport taxiway

Jet2 Extends Leeds Bradford–Tunisia Flights Into Late Autumn

Oct 17, 2026 23:57 PM
Stone arch bridge over a river surrounded by autumn trees

UK Autumn Trips Get a Dry Weekend Before Rain Returns

Oct 16, 2026 23:24 PM
Cologne Cathedral and Hohenzollern Bridge over Rhine

Klagenfurt–Cologne Flights Set for Another Summer

Oct 16, 2026 20:41 PM
Silver power bank with blue charging cables

Flying With a Power Bank? Know These Rules

Oct 16, 2026 20:39 PM

Portugal Breaks Ground on 75-Minute Lisbon–Porto Rail Link

Oct 15, 2026 21:06 PM

Leeds Bradford Airport Says Flights Will Run Despite Strike Threat

Oct 14, 2026 21:13 PM
Two visitors overlooking a snowy Antarctic bay

Antarctica Cruises Go on Sale, but Not All Get 10% Off

Oct 14, 2026 21:08 PM
Lufthansa aircraft wing at Munich Airport

Munich Airport Loses Direct Trains Until Friday

Oct 14, 2026 20:55 PM