Juvenile Tyrannosauridae indet. Anterior Caudal Vertebra (Judith river)

Size: 1.9" Long x 2.1" tall 1.15" wide

Species: Tyrannosauridae indet. Most likely Daspletosaurus 

Age: late cretaceous- 75.3-79 MYA

Location Found: Judith River Formation, Northern Montana, USA 

This vertebra displays a robust neural arch, well-defined neural canal, and excellent three-dimensional preservation. Based on its morphology and proportions, it is interpreted as an anterior caudal vertebra from a tyrannosaurid, most likely comparable to a juvenile cf. Daspletosaurus, although isolated caudal vertebrae cannot be assigned to genus with certainty.

At Stones & Bones, we do our very best to properly identify every fossil we offer. Nevertheless, paleontology is an evolving science, and isolated specimens can sometimes be difficult to assign with certainty. Our identifications reflect our honest and informed opinion, but alternative interpretations are always possible as new research emerges.