Saurornitholestes sp. (Raptor) - New Mexico

Dromaeosaurs were the dominant raptor of the upper Cretaceous period in North America. This theropod was rather small at ~6 feet, but made up for its size with a large mouth full of serrated teeth. Like the other raptors they possessed a large "sickle" claw on each foot. It probably hunted in packs and may have been feathered. Fossil remains include well preserved teeth, bones, and claws, and are highly valued by collectors. These top quality specimens were all legally collected from private lands in the northwestern US. Late Cretaceous, Judith River Fm. (or equivalent), 76 MYA.

Saurornitholestes langstoni, “Langston's lizard-bird thief”, is currently the only described Judith River Fm. raptor. There is another larger dromaeosaurid raptor present in the Judith River Fm. which appears to be similar to the Dromaeosaurus albertensis.