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
Santorini terrace overlooking caldera and Aegean Sea

Memmingen Expands Summer Map With 56 Destinations

Mar 21, 2026 23:07 PM
Oryx antelope walking across Namib Desert dunes

Zurich Adds Namibia Route for Summer 2026

Mar 21, 2026 22:54 PM

Airlines Signal Summer Fare Increases as Fuel Costs Rise

Mar 21, 2026 02:31 AM

Lufthansa Adds Lapland Routes in Winter 2026

Mar 21, 2026 02:29 AM
Iberia long-haul aircraft on airport apron

Iberia Expands Summer Network with Record Seat Boost

Mar 21, 2026 02:15 AM
Busy airport terminal with passengers moving through departures hall

Spain Easter Travel Hit by Airport Strikes

Mar 20, 2026 22:53 PM
Calm seating pods in airport quiet area

Airport Quiet Zones Open at East Midlands

Mar 20, 2026 22:48 PM
Hand holding a British passport close up

UK Passport Fees Pass £100 Mark

Mar 20, 2026 02:46 AM
Cars passing through airport terminal drop-off area at night

UK Airport Drop-Off Fees Climb as Free Options Fade

Mar 20, 2026 02:37 AM

Antalya Flights Return Daily from Paderborn

Mar 20, 2026 02:22 AM

Turkish Airlines Adds Stansted Link to Istanbul

Mar 20, 2026 02:14 AM
Atlantis hotel and Palm Jumeirah aerial view in Dubai

Flights to Gulf Cities Suspended Until Mid-May

Mar 19, 2026 23:08 PM
British Airways aircraft in flight with landing gear extended

BA Launches Free Starlink Wi-Fi on First Houston Flight

Mar 19, 2026 22:51 PM
Lisbon city skyline with river and historic rooftops

Hannover Airport Gears Up for Busy Easter Travel Season

Mar 19, 2026 22:45 PM
Scandinavian Airlines aircraft parked at gate during turnaround

Fuel Shock Forces SAS to Cut April Flights

Mar 19, 2026 11:19 AM

Grand Hyatt Opens in Izmir After Major Redesign

Mar 19, 2026 11:03 AM

Cutty Sark Station Reopens Early After Major Upgrade

Mar 18, 2026 19:26 PM
Luxury yacht anchored near rocky coastal cliffs and clear water

Ritz-Carlton Yachts Plan New Routes for Winter 2027–2028

Mar 18, 2026 19:17 PM
Passenger walking through airport corridor with rolling suitcase

Belgrade Airport Adds Self Check-In and Bag Drop

Mar 18, 2026 19:02 PM
Man checking travel details on smartphone near window

EU Tests Pre-Travel App to Ease Border Queues

Mar 18, 2026 18:54 PM
Busy airport terminal with travellers walking through departure hall

Paderborn Airport to Host Travel Fair in April

Mar 18, 2026 16:58 PM
Eurowings aircraft in flight against clear sky

Eurowings Adds Greek Island Connections via Aegean Partnership

Mar 18, 2026 16:41 PM

British Airways Pauses Dubai Flights Until June Amid Ongoing Disruption

Mar 18, 2026 16:35 PM

Heathrow Adds New Routes Across Europe, US and Asia for Summer 2026

Mar 18, 2026 16:29 PM
Aerial view of Cape Town coastline and Table Mountain

Airlines Reroute Long-Haul Travel Away from Middle East Hubs

Mar 18, 2026 16:13 PM
Milan Cathedral Duomo exterior in evening light

Wizz Air Adds Aircraft and Routes in Milan Expansion

Mar 18, 2026 16:06 PM