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
Crowd waving an Italian flag during a demonstration

Rome Protesters Plan to Stay Near Colosseum

Oct 30, 2026 20:21 PM
Network Rail engineer standing beside railway tracks

West Wales Trips Face Three Rail Shutdowns in November

Oct 30, 2026 18:39 PM

Bangkok to Welcome New Ruby Hotel Inspired by 1920s Siam in 2027

Oct 30, 2026 18:26 PM

Ghost Churches and Haunted Castles - Which Can You Visit?

Oct 30, 2026 16:43 PM
Zadar old town overlooking the Adriatic Sea

Ryanair’s New Croatia Flights Beat a 15-Hour Drive

Oct 30, 2026 16:38 PM
Illuminated Coca-Cola Christmas truck on a snowy street

Eight US Resorts Add Coca-Cola Events to Their Christmas Lineup

Oct 30, 2026 06:05 AM
Vrbo logo on a smartphone screen

Vrbo Adds AI Search to Find Holiday Homes by Describing Your Trip

Oct 30, 2026 05:52 AM
Air Transat aircraft approaching landing with its landing gear extended

Birmingham’s New Toronto Flights Skip the Stopover

Oct 30, 2026 03:47 AM
Family enjoying dinner together at a restaurant

Sardinia Restaurants Ask Families to Ditch Their Phones

Oct 30, 2026 03:34 AM

TAP’s Caracas Flights Return to the Timetable

Oct 30, 2026 03:21 AM

England’s Tourist Tax Could Add £100 to Family Breaks

Oct 30, 2026 03:19 AM
Virgin Galactic's Spaceship Apeiron parked on the tarmac at sunset

Virgin Galactic Plans 2027 Spaceflights - Can You Book?

Oct 30, 2026 03:06 AM
Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship sailing between snow-covered mountains

‘Endless’ Cruise Forces 203 Ashore in Cambodia

Oct 30, 2026 02:53 AM
Woman holding a blue vape and a red cup outdoors

Taking a Vape Abroad? Six Countries With Tough Rules

Oct 29, 2026 22:28 PM
Hand holding colourful sticky notes with the words "Disruption Talk" in an office

UK Issues Travel Warnings for 16 Destinations Amid Middle East Tensions

Oct 29, 2026 22:12 PM

City Thameslink to Close for Months - Where to Go Instead

Oct 29, 2026 22:05 PM

Iberia Adds 14 Flights as Madrid–Andalusia Trains Halt

Oct 29, 2026 21:52 PM
High-speed passenger train travelling past wooded cliffs

London’s Europe Trains Could Get a Second Stop

Oct 29, 2026 21:47 PM
Black Friday sale sign on a red background

Black Friday May Not Be the Best Day to Book Flights

Oct 29, 2026 21:34 PM
Two Greater Anglia trains at a railway station

Essex and Suffolk Face Three Weekends of Rail Disruption

Oct 29, 2026 21:21 PM
Qatar Airways passenger aircraft flying against a clear blue sky, viewed from below

More Routes, One Ticket: What Qatar Airways and WestJet Are Offering

Oct 29, 2026 21:10 PM
Person pointing at a digital screen displaying charts and data visualizations

Travelers Like Airport Biometrics but Worry About Data Leaks

Oct 29, 2026 20:25 PM

Two High-Speed Trains Collide in Spain: Death Toll Rises to 69

Oct 29, 2026 18:38 PM

Venice May Raise Tourist Entry Fee to €30, While Rome Rejects Similar Plans

Oct 29, 2026 17:34 PM
Four friends with backpacks looking at a city map together

Would You Drop a Friend From Your 2027 Holiday?

Oct 29, 2026 13:49 PM
Ocean waves rolling towards a sandy beach with high-rise buildings along the coast

TAP’s New Brazil Flight Brings Giant Dunes Closer

Oct 29, 2026 00:16 AM