A 76 Million Year Old Monster Of Salt Lake

Fossil Specimen of a Deinosuchus in the Natural History Museum of Utah

A 76-Million-Year-Old Monster of Salt Lake

Mar 6, 2023 7:38 AM PST

The Natural History Museum of Utah is proud to announce the unveiling of a new fossil specimen—a remarkably preserved skull of a Deinosuchus, an extinct genus of giant crocodile that lived during the Cretaceous period, approximately 76 million years ago.

The Deinosuchus fossil was discovered in 2021 by a team of paleontologists from the Natural History Museum of Utah during an excavation in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The skull, which measures over 3 feet in length, is one of the most complete and well-preserved Deinosuchus fossils ever found.

Deinosuchus was a fearsome predator that grew up to 30 feet long and weighed up to 10 tons. It was one of the largest crocodiles that ever lived and preyed on a variety of animals, including fish, turtles, and even dinosaurs.

The Deinosuchus fossil will be on display at the Natural History Museum of Utah beginning on March 10, 2023. Visitors will be able to view the fossil up close and learn about the amazing creatures that roamed Utah millions of years ago.

The discovery of the Deinosuchus fossil is a significant scientific find that provides new insights into the evolution and behavior of these ancient creatures. The fossil will be an important part of the Natural History Museum of Utah's collection and will be used to educate visitors about the natural history of Utah.