1.9" Crocodile Fossil Toe Bone Hell Creek FM Cretaceous Dinosaur Age Montana

Location:  Hell Creek Formation, Montana (Private Land Origin)

Weight: 0.6 Ounces

Dimensions: 1.9 Inches Long, 0.9 Inches Wide, 0.8 Inches Thick

The item pictured is the one you will receive. 

Cretaceous Age through to the Eocene Age 

Crocodiles are reptiles belonging to the order Crocodylia. They have been around for millions of years and have evolved into various species over time. During the Cretaceous Age, several crocodile species inhabited the Hell Creek Formation.

During the Cretaceous Age, which lasted from approximately 145 to 66 million years ago, the Hell Creek Formation in the United States was home to a diverse range of species, including crocodiles. The Hell Creek 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 period.

During the Late Cretaceous period, the Hell Creek Formation was home to a fascinating diversity of crocodile species. Among them, Deinosuchus stands out as one of the most remarkable. This giant crocodile was among the largest crocodile-like reptiles ever discovered, with some individuals reaching up to 40 feet (12 meters) in length. Deinosuchus had a robust, muscular body, a long snout lined with sharp teeth, and powerful limbs that allowed it to swim efficiently and move on land. As a top predator, it likely hunted dinosaurs and other large animals, dominating its ecosystem.

Smaller but still formidable was Borealosuchus, a medium-sized crocodile measuring 10–15 feet (3–4.5 meters) in length. Borealosuchus had a more slender build than Deinosuchus and a long, narrow snout filled with sharp teeth, suggesting it specialized in hunting fish and small vertebrates. Its agility made it a versatile predator in the rivers and wetlands of Hell Creek.

The smallest of the trio was Leidyosuchus, reaching lengths of 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 meters). It had a broad, rounded snout with blunt teeth, indicating a diet that likely included mollusks, crustaceans, and other small aquatic animals. Though modest in size, Leidyosuchus played an important ecological role, filling a niche distinct from its larger relatives.

Together, these crocodiles illustrate the range of sizes and ecological specializations among Late Cretaceous crocodilians, from massive apex predators like Deinosuchus to smaller, specialized hunters like Leidyosuchus, highlighting the diversity and adaptability of ancient crocodile species.