Location: Hell Creek Formation, Montana (Private Land Origin)
Weight: 9.2 Ounces
Dimensions: 8 Inches Long, 6.1 Inches Wide, 1 Inch Thick (Matrix)
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Cretaceous Age through to the Eocene Age
Crocodiles of the Hell Creek Formation in Montana
The Hell Creek Formation, located in parts of Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming, is a significant geological formation known for its rich fossil record from the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 66 million years ago. This formation has yielded a variety of fossils, including those of crocodilian species that inhabited the region during this time.
1. Crocodilians in the Hell Creek Formation
Crocodilians are reptiles belonging to the order Crocodylia and have existed for millions of years. During the Late Cretaceous period, several species of crocodiles thrived in the Hell Creek Formation’s diverse ecosystems. The environment at that time was characterized by river systems, wetlands, and lush vegetation, providing an ideal habitat for these reptiles.
2. Crocodile Species
Several notable crocodilian species have been identified from fossil remains found within the Hell Creek Formation:
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Deinosuchus: This giant crocodile is one of the most well-known species from the Late Cretaceous. Deinosuchus could reach lengths of up to 40 feet (12 meters) and had a robust body with a long snout filled with sharp teeth. It was likely an apex predator, preying on large dinosaurs and other animals.
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Borealosuchus: A medium-sized crocodile that reached lengths between 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters). Borealosuchus had a more slender body compared to Deinosuchus and possessed a long snout with numerous sharp teeth, indicating it primarily fed on fish and smaller vertebrates.
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Leidyosuchus: This smaller crocodile measured about 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) in length. Leidyosuchus had a broad, rounded snout with blunt teeth adapted for crushing mollusks and crustaceans, suggesting it occupied a different ecological niche compared to its larger relatives.
