THE PUTATIVE PTEROSAUR TRACKS AT GUNSTON HALL (POTOMAC GROUP, CRETACEOUS OF VIRGINIA) ARE EXAMPLES OF EROSION

Putative pterosaur tracks have recently been reported from the Potomac Group of Virginia, integrated into the cornerstones of Gunston Hall near Lorton in Fairfax County. These putative pterosaur tracks are reexamined. They bear little resemblance to known pterosaur tracks, including those known from other Potomac Group localities. However, they are consistent with examples of erosion seen on other sandstone blocks at Gunston Hall and elsewhere and are interpreted as examples of erosion and breakage from chiseling. This highlights the importance of demonstrating a biological origin of putative ichnofossils in malleable sediments.