05Mesozoic
Tyrannosaurus
Tyrannosaurus rex
A deep skull, bone-crushing bite and keen senses made it one of the last giant theropods.
Western North America
Local fossil evidence ↗
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Dinosaurs Found in Montana
Compare Montana’s Hell Creek Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops records with earlier Cloverly dinosaurs such as Deinonychus and Sauropelta.
Places, environments and evidence
The National Park Service documents Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops from Montana’s Hell Creek fossil area. Deinonychus has a published discovery history in Montana, and AMNH specimen FR 3035 records Sauropelta from the state’s Cloverly Formation. These separate sources support a state-level selection while keeping the Early and Late Cretaceous communities distinct.
06Mesozoic
Triceratops
Triceratops horridus
Three horns and a broad frill formed a formidable display and defense system.
Western North America
Local fossil evidence ↗
45Mesozoic
Deinonychus
Deinonychus antirrhopus
A stiff tail, grasping hands and enlarged foot claw made an agile feathered hunter.
Western North America
Local fossil evidence ↗
279Mesozoic
Sauropelta
Sauropelta edwardsorum
Long shoulder spikes and dense armor protected one of the largest nodosaurids.
River forests and open plains · North America
Local fossil evidence ↗Common questions
Did Deinonychus live alongside Tyrannosaurus in Montana?
No. Their records belong to very different parts of the Cretaceous. A shared modern state is not a shared fossil age.