Dakotaraptor sp. Tooth-Montana

 Taxa: Dakotaraptor sp.

Geology: Hell Creek formation

Age: Cretaceous-Maastrichtian

Locality: Garfield County, Montana

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Dakotaraptor

Dakotaraptor is a genus of large dromaeosaurid (raptor) theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous Hell Creek Formation of North America. It lived around 66 million years ago and is one of the largest known dromaeosaurs, reaching an estimated length of about 5.5 meters (18 feet). Dakotaraptor had large, sickle-shaped claws on its feet, powerful limbs, and evidence of feathered arm bones, suggesting it had some form of plumage. As a fast and agile predator, it likely hunted smaller dinosaurs and other prey, occupying a niche between smaller raptors and larger predators like Tyrannosaurus rex.

Hell Creek formation

The Hell Creek Formation is a geologic formation in North America, primarily spanning Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. It dates to the Late Cretaceous period, around 66 million years ago, and is famous for its rich fossil record, including dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Edmontosaurus. It also contains evidence of the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event, including an iridium layer associated with the asteroid impact that contributed to the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs. The formation also preserves fossils of plants, mammals, fish, and reptiles, providing valuable insights into prehistoric ecosystems.