First-Ever Adult Tyrannosaurus Rex Trackway Discovered in North Dakota
Quick Brief
Paleontologists have uncovered the first-ever trackway attributed to an adult Tyrannosaurus rex in the North Dakota badlands. The 66.5-million-year-old sequence features four giant, three-toed prints found near Marmarth. Analysis of the impressions shows the apex predator moved at a casual walking speed.
What Happened?
A sequence of four giant, three-toed footprints discovered near Marmarth, North Dakota, in 2025 has been identified as the first known trackway belonging to an adult Tyrannosaurus rex. Dating back 66.5 million years, the footprints capture a 13-foot stride as the dinosaur moved at speeds between 3.5 and 4.5 miles per hour.
Why It Matters
Finding a complete trackway offers rare, direct behavioral insights into adult Tyrannosaurus rex locomotion that cannot be gleaned from skeletal remains alone, illuminating how these massive creatures navigated their prehistoric environment.
Key Facts
- First-ever adult Tyrannosaurus rex trackway discovered.
- Located in the North Dakota badlands near Marmarth.
- Consists of four giant, three-toed prints found in 2025.
- Dates back approximately 66.5 million years.
- Records a stride length of 13 feet.
- Indicates a walking speed of 3.5 to 4.5 mph.
Compiled from 1 outlet
Related Stories
Fossilized 10,000-Year-Old Mastodon Tooth Discovered in California
A well-preserved fossilized tooth from an ancient mastodon has been discovered in Northern California. The artifact, estimated to be 10,000 years old, was found by a geomorphologist who initially mistook it for an unusual rock. The remarkable molar offers a glimpse into the large mammals that once roamed North America.
NASA Launches Artifact InSPECtor Citizen Science Project
NASA has introduced a new citizen science initiative called Artifact InSPECtor. The project invites members of the public to help scientists refine data gathered by distant space telescopes. Participants will assist missions such as Euclid and the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope in ensuring the accuracy of their observations.
Mercury Is Shrinking Faster Than Previously Expected by Scientists
Recent scientific findings indicate that the planet Mercury is shrinking at a much faster rate than previously anticipated. Researchers across multiple institutions are examining new data regarding the planet's contraction. The discoveries highlight fresh insights into planetary evolution.
SpaceX Crew-12 Astronauts Schedule Space Station News Conference Ahead of Earth Return
Members of NASA's SpaceX Crew-12 mission aboard the International Space Station are scheduled to hold a live news conference. The multinational crew will discuss their current orbital mission and preparations for returning to Earth. Media organizations and the public have been invited to tune in to the event.