La Brea Tar Pits 1977 Magnet

The La Brea Tar Pits are a group of tar pits around which Hancock Park was formed in urban Los Angeles. Natural asphalt (or tar brea in Spanish) has seeped up from the ground in this area for tens of thousands of years. The tar is often covered with dust, leaves, or water, which made it a natural trap for animals of all kinds, including humans. Over many centuries, the tar preserved the bones of animals that became trapped. La Brea Tar Pits is a registered National Natural Landmark and the on-site museum is dedicated to researching the tar pits and displaying specimens found there.