1" Crocodile Fossil Vertebrae Bone Hell Creek FM Cretaceous Dinosaur Age MT
Location: Hell Creek Formation, Montana (Private Land Origin)
Weight: 0.3 Ounces
Dimensions: 1 Inch Long, 0.8 Inches Wide, 0.6 Inches Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Cretaceous Age through to the Eocene Age
Crocodiles are reptiles that belong to the order Crocodylia. They have existed for millions of years and have evolved into various species over time. During the Cretaceous Period, several crocodile species lived in the Hell Creek Formation.
The Cretaceous Period, which lasted from about 145 to 66 million years ago, saw the Hell Creek Formation in the United States hosting a diverse range of species, including crocodiles. This formation is located in parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, and it represents a terrestrial environment that existed during the Late Cretaceous.
One of the most famous crocodile species from this time and place is Deinosuchus. Deinosuchus was a giant crocodile that lived during the Late Cretaceous. It was one of the largest crocodile-like reptiles ever known, with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 40 feet (12 meters). Deinosuchus had a sturdy body, a long snout filled with sharp teeth, and powerful limbs suited for swimming and walking on land. It likely held a top position in the food chain and preyed on dinosaurs and other large animals.
Another crocodile species found in the Hell Creek Formation is Borealosuchus. Borealosuchus was a medium-sized crocodile that lived during the Late Cretaceous. It had a more slender body compared to Deinosuchus and measured around 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) long. Borealosuchus had a long snout with many sharp teeth, which suggests it mainly fed on fish and small vertebrates.
The third crocodile species identified in the Hell Creek Formation is Leidyosuchus. Leidyosuchus was a smaller crocodile from the Late Cretaceous, measuring about 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters) in length. It featured a broad, rounded snout with blunt teeth. This body shape indicates that Leidyosuchus likely ate mollusks, crustaceans, and other small aquatic creatures.
