North Dakota’s Little Missouri National Grasslands have yielded a spectacular glimpse into the state’s ancient past. In early October, a team of paleontologists removed three enormous sandstone blocks that contain a series of fossilized footprints left by an adult Tyrannosaurus rex roughly 66 million years ago.
Discovery and extraction
The footprints form a 23‑foot trackway near the small community of Marmarth. Researchers believe the prints were made by a single, fully grown T‑rex weighing close to seven tons. The size and depth of the impressions suggest a powerful predator moving across the ancient floodplain that once covered the region.
Because the sandstone blocks are extremely heavy, the crew employed a helicopter to lift them safely out of the rugged badlands. The operation required careful coordination with the U.S. Forest Service to protect the surrounding habitat while ensuring the fossils were not damaged during transport.
Next steps for study
After removal, the blocks were shipped to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, where curators and researchers will conduct detailed analysis. The museum plans to use high‑resolution 3‑D scanning and imaging techniques to document the footprints, assess the stride length, and compare the prints with other known T‑rex trackways across North America.
Scientists hope the data will shed light on the behavior, gait, and possible speed of the iconic predator. By studying the spacing and depth of the prints, researchers can infer how the animal moved, whether it was hunting or simply traversing its territory.
Why the find matters to North Dakota
North Dakota’s rich fossil record has long attracted paleontologists, but a well‑preserved T‑rex trackway is a rare treasure. The discovery underscores the state’s importance as a window into the late Cretaceous period, when the Western Interior Seaway receded and large dinosaurs roamed the plains.
Local educators are already planning to incorporate the find into school curricula, giving students a tangible connection to the deep history of their homeland. The Denver Museum has indicated that the footprints may eventually be displayed publicly, offering residents of both states a chance to see the ancient giant up close.
Community response
Residents of the surrounding area expressed pride in the find, noting that it highlights the unique natural heritage of the Little Missouri region. Local businesses anticipate increased interest from tourists and fossil enthusiasts, which could provide a modest boost to the regional economy.
Overall, the successful extraction and transport of the T‑rex footprints represent a collaborative effort between scientists, federal land managers, and the community, reinforcing North Dakota’s role in uncovering the story of America’s prehistoric past.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
