Utahraptor
Order: Saurischia · Suborder: Theropoda · Infraorder: Tetanurae · Family: Dromaeosauridae
Found in eastern Utah, this dinosaur was armed with a 15-inch(35-cm) claw on one toe of each hind foot, claws on each finger of its hands, and razor-sharp teeth. Believed to be an agile, very fast predator, Utahraptor probably attacked prey many times larger than itself, striking numerous fatal blows with its sharp hind claws. It is also believed to have hunted in packs, thus indicating behavior of a relatively intelligent and warm-blooded animal. Utahraptor combines the behavior of Velociraptor and Deinonychus with much greater size.
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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 Utahraptor mean?
The name Utahraptor means “Utah Lizard”. It is pronounced Yoo-tah-RAP-tor.
When did Utahraptor live?
Utahraptor lived during the Early Cretaceous.
Was Utahraptor a carnivore or a herbivore?
Utahraptor was a carnivore.
How big was Utahraptor?
Utahraptor was about 21.3 feet (6.5 meters) long, around 9.8 feet (3 meters) tall, weighing up to 1,500 pounds (680 kg).
Related dinosaurs
Other dinosaurs from the Dromaeosauridae family.
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