Anzu wyliei
Authentic Anzu Wyliei Claws and Bones for Sale
Find the fascinating world of Oviraptorosaurs with our selection of Anzu wyliei fossils. Anzu wyliei or the "feathered demon" was a very large Oviraptor that lived in the upper Cretaceous period (Hell Creek Formation), and was formally described in 2014 (see paper link in product descriptions). Anzu was nicknamed the "Chicken from Hell" since it is among the largest feathered dinosaurs ever found in North America. This dinosaur is characterized by a toothless beak, long arms ending with large claws, and long powerful legs. This raptor was most likely an omnivore feeding on small animals, vegetation, and possibly eggs. The late Cretaceous Anzu oviraptor grew to 13 feet and 600 pounds. Fossil remains include well preserved bones and large claws. Their large claws are highly prized by collectors. These top quality specimens were all legally collected from private lands in the northwestern US. Late Cretaceous, Hell Creek Fm. (or equivalent), 68-66 MYA. Note - this big Hell Creek Formation oviraptor was previously mis-identified as Chirostenotes. Authenticity guarnteed.
Image credit to Masato Hattori.
Distinguishing Manus Claws From Pes Claws
Understanding the difference between hand claws and foot claws helps collectors evaluate Anzu wyliei specimens.
Manus claws grew long and curved for grasping vegetation or small prey. These hand claws display a sharp flexor tubercle near the base where powerful muscle tendons attached. Pes claws supported the animal's weight during locomotion across the floodplain. Because of this, foot claws feature a broader base and a thicker overall cross-section to handle heavy impact.
Preservation in the Hell Creek Formation
Fossilization in ancient river deposits created the distinct tan-and-charcoal surface colors seen on these specimens. Understanding what makes fossils genuine requires looking closely at surface textures and bone density. Fine grooves along the sides allowed blood vessels to nourish the keratin sheath that once covered the living bone. These delicate surface features quickly wear away in open air, making buried riverbed discoveries exceptional finds.
Shop our inventory of these rare specimens to add to your personal collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the living crest on an Anzu wyliei skull look like?
Researchers believe the high, thin crest atop the skull consisted of lightweight bone covered in bright keratin. It likely served a display role for species recognition or signaling rather than fighting off predators.
Did Anzu wyliei have true feathers like modern birds?
Yes, paleontological evidence indicates these oviraptorosaurs possessed true feathers along their forearms and body. While far too heavy for flight, their plumage likely helped with egg incubation and temperature regulation throughout their lives.
How do collectors verify the private land legal provenance of a Hell Creek fossil?
Legitimate fossil dealers track landowner agreements and precise GPS map coordinates for every field discovery. At Buried Treasure Fossils, we document private ranch origins to guarantee full compliance with federal land laws.
Why are oviraptorosaur teeth missing in the Hell Creek Formation?
Anzu wyliei evolved a specialized horn-covered beak instead of traditional teeth. Because beaks decay rapidly after death, field teams typically recover heavy jaw fragments or claws, and often metatarsals, rather than individual teeth. Beak and claw fragments are equally fascinating and greatly add to any enthusiast's collection.
What causes color variations in Anzu wyliei fossil claws?
Groundwater chemistry determines whether a bone turns light tan, deep reddish-brown, or dark charcoal gray. Iron-rich sediments produce reddish tones, while dense organic clay deposits yield darker patina shades.
- Anzu wyliei$4,950.00
A rare, LARGE Top Quality Anzu wyliei hand (manus) claw from the Hell Creek Fm. of So. Dakota. A February Fossil of the Month. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent manus claw - this one is the "thumb" claw. Excellent rich tan color with charcoal highlights and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation - no pitting, nicks or wear. Professional tip repair. No restoration. A top quality, collector's claw from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyleii claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Harding Co., So. Dakota. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included.
DA01 Size: 2-7/8" (straightline) (3-7/16" on curve) Proximal end height = 1-9/16"
Note - Adding 8 Anzu wyliei claws in February 2026. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei$4,575.00
A rare, EXTRA LARGE, Top Quality Anzu wyliei toe (pes) claw from the Hell Creek Fm. of So. Dakota. A February Fossil of the Month. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent pes claw. Excellent rich tan color with charcoal highlights and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation - no pitting, nicks or wear. Note - there is a tip repair repair. No restoration. A top quality, collector's claw from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyleii claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Harding Co., So. Dakota. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included. Maximum size!
DA05 Size: 3-3/4" (straightline) (4-7/16" on curve) Proximal end height = 1-9/16"
Note - Adding 8 Anzu wyliei claws in February 2026. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei$4,500.00
A rare, EXTRA LARGE, Top Quality Anzu wyliei toe (pes) claw from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. A February Fossil of the Month. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent pes claw. Excellent rich brown color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation - no pitting, nicks or wear. Note - there is a very small tip repair repair. No restoration. A top quality, collector's claw from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyleii claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Powder River Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included. Maximum size!
DA06 Size: 3-3/4" (straightline) (4-1/4" on curve) Proximal end height = 1-1/2"
Note - Adding 8 Anzu wyliei claws in February 2026. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu sp.$3,500.00
A rare, Top Quality Anzu sp. hand (manus) claw from the Hell Creek Fm. of So. Dakota. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". Note - this claw is from a second Anzu species which displays the strong horizontal ridges on a more robust proxinal end. An excellent manus claw. Check out the ridges on the proximal end which could be a new species. Excellent rich light brown color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation. Note - the tip was professionally restored which is typical for most Hell Creek claws. A top quality, new Anzu sp. collector's claw from the Hell Creek of So. Dakota. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Harding Co., So. Dakota. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included.
DA02 Size: 2-3/4" (straightline)
Note - Adding 7 Anzu wyliei claws & bones in September 2023. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei$3,250.00
A rare, Top Quality Anzu wyliei hand (manus) claw from the Hell Creek Fm. of So. Dakota. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent manus claw - the "thumb" claw. Excellent rich brown color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation - no pitting, nicks or wear. Minor crack fill. No restoration. A top quality, collector's claw from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyleii claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Harding Co., So. Dakota. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included.
DA04 Size: 2-5/8" (straightline) (3-1/8" on curve) Proximal end height = 1-5/16"
Note - Adding 8 Anzu wyliei claws in February 2026. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei$2,950.00
A rare, LARGE, Top Quality Anzu wyliei toe (pes) claw from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent pes claw. Excellent rich brown color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation - no pitting, nicks or wear. Note - there is a very small tip repair and proximal end repair. No restoration. A top quality, collector's claw from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyleii claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Carter Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included.
DA07 Size: 3-5/16" (straightline) (3-11/16" on curve)
Note - Adding 8 Anzu wyliei claws in February 2026. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei$2,750.00
A rare, Top Quality Anzu wyliei hand (manus) claw from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. A December Fossil of the Month. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent manus claw. Excellent rich tan color with a golden patina. This specimen has excellent perservation. Note - a portion of the tip was professionally restored which is typical for most Hell Creek claws. A top quality, collector's claw from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyleii claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Fallon Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included.
DA03 Size: 2-1/8" (straightline)
Note - Adding 3 Anzu wyliei claws in December 2024. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei$1,950.00
A rare, LARGE, Top Quality Anzu wyliei toe (pes) claw from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent pes claw. Excellent rich brown color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation - no pitting, nicks or wear. Proximal end is missing. No repair or restoration. A top quality, collector's claw from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyleii claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Powder River Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included.
DA08 Size: 2-3/4" (straightline) (3-1/8" on curve)
Note - Adding 8 Anzu wyliei claws in February 2026. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei$1,850.00
A rare, Top Quality Anzu wyliei toe (pes) claw from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent pes claw. Excellent rich brown color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation - no pitting, nicks or wear. Note - minor crack fill. No repair or restoration. A top quality, collector's claw from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyleii claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Carter Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included.
DA09 Size: 1-7/8" (straightline) (2-1/4" on curve)
Note - Adding 8 Anzu wyliei claws in February 2026. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei$1,350.00
A rare, Top Quality Anzu wyliei toe (pes) claw from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent pes claw. Excellent rich brown & tan color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation - no pitting, nicks or wear. Note - a very small portion of the tip was professionally restored which is typical for most Hell Creek claws. A top quality, collector's claw from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Check out our selection of top quality Anzu wyleii claws! Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Dawson Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Note - a Riker display frame will be included.
DA10 Size: 1-7/16" (straightline)
Note - Adding 8 Anzu wyliei claws in February 2026. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei - Metatarsal$975.00
A rare, Top Quality juvenile Anzu wyliei metatarsal toe bone from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. A September Fossil of the Month. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent metatarsal bone. Excellent light brown color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation. Incredible bone quality. A complete specimen. No repair or restoration. A top quality, collector's toe bone from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Powder River Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. A Museum Quality specimen. Anzu metatarsal toe bones are very hard to find. The BEST!
DA15 Size: 5-11/16" ; Ends: 1/2" & 11/16"
Note - Adding 7 Anzu wyliei bones & claws in September 2023. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More - Anzu wyliei - Toe Bone$595.00
A rare, Quality Anzu wyliei toe bone (digit 1 - the large digit) from the Hell Creek Fm. of Montana. Anzu is referred to as the "Chicken from Hell". An excellent toe bone. Excellent brown color and patina. This specimen has excellent perservation. A complete specimen with minor natural crushing on one side. A quality, collector's toe bone from the Hell Creek of Montana. Note - 2014 Anzu wyliei description paper attached below. Legally collected on private land in the Hell Creek Fm., Carter Co., Montana. Authenticity guaranteed. Anzu toe bones are hard to find.
DA16 Size: 3-1/16" ; Ends: 1-1/2" & 1-7/8
Note - Adding 7 Anzu wyliei bones & claws in September 2023. Link to Anzu wyliei claws.
Learn More
