A recent study by researchers at the University of Alberta revealed that a dinosaur skull discovered in a British Columbia campground belonged to a lighter and faster tyrannosaur compared to the well-known T. rex. The partial skull impression, dating back around 76 million years, was identified as belonging to a horned dinosaur known as Gorgosaurus. Lead author Colton Coppock stated that the unique characteristics on the impression helped in identifying the species.
The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta noted that Gorgosaurus could reach up to nine meters in length. The journey to identify the dinosaur began when B.C. resident Rick Lambert found a peculiar rock at a campground in Tumbler Ridge. After examination by a paleontologist from the Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation, it was confirmed as the first tyrannosaurus skull discovered in B.C.
The well-preserved skull impression included the maxilla, or upper jaw, of the dinosaur. Despite most of the bone eroding away, researchers were able to create a detailed cast highlighting the unique features of the skull. Comparing the cast to more complete Gorgosaurus skull bones, the researchers found bone sutures and distinct features in the nasal area and upper jaw.
The study revealed that Gorgosaurus had a wider geographical range than previously believed, extending from northern British Columbia to northern Montana. Coppock also mentioned that the species had similarities to grizzly bears and cougars in terms of territory coverage. Lambert’s discovery signifies British Columbia as a promising area for future dinosaur findings, indicating a new frontier in dinosaur research. Lambert expressed that the fossil discovery represented the enduring history of our planet and the remarkable longevity of past life forms.