Albertosaurus
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda · Infraorder: Tetanurae · Family: Tyrannosauridae
First discovered in Alberta, Canada, Albertosaurus stalked its prey almost 8 million years before Tyrannosaurus, a close relative. It had ahuge head with long, sharp, saw-toothed teeth and two-fingered hands on arms that were longer than Tyrannosaurus's stubby forelimbs. With its sleek build and long hind limbs, it was one of the fastest runners among thetyrannosaurids. A jaw and teeth belonging to an Albertosaurus were identified by Joseph Leidy, who named the first American dinosaurs (see Deinodon).
More Cretaceous-period dinosaurs →
Reference background: Natural History Museum, London — Dinosaurs; Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs; American Museum of Natural History — Dinosaurs & Fossils. Figures are typical published ranges; taxonomy follows the source era and modern consensus is noted where it differs. See our sources & fact-check policy.
Frequently asked questions
What does Albertosaurus mean?
The name Albertosaurus means “Alberta Lizard”. It is pronounced al-BER-tuh-SAWR-us.
When did Albertosaurus live?
Albertosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous.
Was Albertosaurus a carnivore or a herbivore?
Albertosaurus was a carnivore.
How big was Albertosaurus?
Albertosaurus was about 30 feet (11 meters) long, around 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall, weighing up to 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Tyrannosauridae family.
Compare the dinosaurs
See size, diet, period and family for hundreds of dinosaurs side by side.
Compare dinosaurs →