Community College (LRCCD)

Geology & Earth Science Instructor: Arthur Reed, P.G.

Happy Fossil Friday!

Friday September 3, 2021

Oryctodromeus, First Dinosaur Known to Burrow

This is Oryctodromeus, a dinosaur that was first discovered inside the remains of an ancient burrow in southwest Montana. The presence of fossils from an adult and two juveniles inside the burrow indicates that this dinosaur cared for its young. Oryctodromeus roamed Montana and surrounding regions in the Cretaceous Period, about 95 million years ago. During this time there was a great inland seaway in North America between its western and eastern portions. This means there was plentiful wetlands for dinosaurs like this one.

The adult was roughly six-and-a-half feet long and probably weighed 50 to 70 pounds.

Interpretive illustration by José Carlos Cortés on @ryuukibart

Was Oryctodromeus feathered? There is evidence of feathers on many dinosaurs but not all. More evidence is needed for a more complete understanding.