Buzz
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In the early 1990s, amid the Jurassic Park craze, Utahraptor became a star. Over two decades later, groundbreaking discoveries are set to bring this fierce predator back into the spotlight.
1. It Ranked Among the Largest ‘Raptors’ on Earth.
Experts classify Velociraptor, Microraptor, and similar species as “dromaeosaurs” (though the term raptor is far more popular). Measuring approximately 18 feet in length, Utahraptor likely held the title of the largest. However, Asia’s Achillobator giganticus could challenge this claim—if more complete fossils are uncovered.
2. Walking With Dinosaurs (1999) Misplaced Utahraptor on the Wrong Continent.
In a memorable scene from this iconic miniseries, a pack of Utahraptor hunts Iguanodon in Europe. However, Utahraptor fossils have only been discovered in the U.S. (can you guess where?), with no evidence of its existence across the Atlantic.
3. This Predator Possessed Enormous, Fearsome Toe Claws.
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In Hollywood, the signature feature of dromaeosaurs is their menacing, curved foot claws. Utahraptor’s claws measured 9 inches at the bone core, with the keratin sheaths potentially reaching up to 15 inches in length!
4. Utahraptor Wasn't the Only 'Raptor' in Utah.
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Other dromaeosaur fossils have also been unearthed in the state. For instance, in 2012, researchers identified a new, coyote-sized species named Yurgovuchia doellingi, found near the area now known as Arches National Park.
5. Robert Bakker, a Renowned Paleontologist, Featured a Clever Utahraptor in His Debut Novel.
Ballista, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0
For any dedicated dinosaur enthusiast, Raptor Red is a must-read. Renowned paleontologist Robert Bakker believed predators were often unfairly portrayed as ruthless villains. His novel breaks this stereotype by chronicling the life of a vigorous Utahraptor and her family as they navigate the challenges of a brutal prehistoric world.
6. Utahraptor Represents a Fascinating Evolutionary Pattern.
Matt Martyniuk, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0
Over time, massive dromaeosaurs like Utahraptor and Achillobator became less common. As they declined, smaller species, such as North America’s 11-foot Deinonychus, began to dominate. By 75 million years ago, most 'raptors' were no larger than a modern turkey.
7. Utahraptor Made a Dramatic Appearance in the Premiere of Primeval: New World.
In this time-traveling series, the Utahraptor was depicted with a feathery, avian-like appearance. Although no direct evidence confirms feathers in this genus, its famous relative, Velociraptor, is known to have sported robust feathers on its forelimbs.
8. It Nearly Honored Steven Spielberg in Its Name.
Nobu Tamura, via Wikimedia Commons// CC BY 2.5
Fossil fragments of Utahraptor were first discovered in 1975, but it wasn’t until the late 1980s that better specimens brought it into the spotlight. By 1991, paleontologist James I. Kirkland had gathered remarkable new findings and named the genus “Utahraptor.” He initially considered naming it Utahraptor spielbergi but ultimately chose U. ostrommaysorum.
9. A Utahraptor Fossil Site Awaits Further Exploration.
Our knowledge of Utahraptor has been limited due to the scarcity of fossils. However, this is set to change: a remarkable discovery in Utah unearthed a 16-foot adult, four juveniles, and a three-foot baby together. This find includes previously unseen Utahraptor bones and may provide insights into dromaeosaur social behavior. “We’re about to gain a whole new perspective on this dinosaur,” says Kirkland, who is leading the excavation.
10. Multiple Skeletons Were Briefly Stored in a Parking Lot.
Emily Willoughby via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0
In November, Kirkland’s newly discovered Utahraptor fossils faced an unusual situation. After being encased in protective plaster and transported to Salt Lake City, the rock slab containing the skeletons was temporarily stored in an outdoor parking lot until proper facilities were arranged.
