Ankylosaur footprints from Canada are first of their kind in the world

Scientists have recently made an exciting discovery in British Columbia and Alberta, identifying fossil dinosaur footprints from a new species believed to be the first tracks in the world belonging to club-tailed ankylosaurs. This finding offers valuable insights into the gaps in the fossil record, shedding light on the history of these armored dinosaurs.

The newly identified species, named Ruopodosaurus clava, was estimated to be about five to six meters in length and roamed the coastal redwood forests between the Rocky Mountains and an inland sea during the Middle Cretaceous period, approximately 100 to 94 million years ago. These dinosaur footprints provide evidence of the diverse ecosystem in which Ruopodosaurus lived, alongside giant crocodiles, duck-billed dinosaurs, and bird-like dinosaurs.

Interestingly, no bones of three-toed, club-tailed ankylosaurs from the Middle Cretaceous had been found in North America until now, leading researchers to believe they may have gone extinct during this period before reappearing around 84 million years ago, possibly through migration from Asia. However, the discovery of these tracks challenges this notion, suggesting that these creatures may have continued to exist during the Middle Cretaceous.

The study, published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, was led by Victoria Arbour, curator of paleontology at the Royal B.C. Museum. The research team also included Charles Helm, the scientific advisor at the Tumbler Ridge Museum, who played a crucial role in the discovery and study of the dinosaur footprints.

The footprints found near Tumbler Ridge and across the B.C.-Alberta border were unique due to the presence of crescent-shaped handprints alongside the three-toed footprints, a characteristic feature of ankylosaurs. These tracks led researchers to conclude that the new species was indeed an ankylosaurid, similar to Gobisaurus from China.

The findings from this study not only expand our understanding of the diversity of ankylosaurs but also highlight the importance of studying both fossil footprints and bones. By analyzing trackways, researchers can uncover valuable information about the behavior, size, and social interactions of these prehistoric creatures.

Moving forward, experts like Scott Persons, a paleontologist at the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History, emphasize the significance of integrating both fossil footprints and bones in paleontological research. This comprehensive approach allows scientists to reconstruct a more complete picture of ancient ecosystems and the creatures that inhabited them.

In conclusion, the discovery of Ruopodosaurus clava and its distinctive footprints represents a significant contribution to our knowledge of ankylosaurid dinosaurs. These findings will undoubtedly pave the way for further discoveries and insights into the fascinating world of prehistoric life.