A major scientific breakthrough has emerged from a tiny fossilized footprint! A dinosaur footprint discovered in British Columbia’s Tumbler Ridge has unveiled the existence of a new species that roamed the Earth around 100 million years ago.

Victoria Arbour, a paleontology curator at the Royal BC Museum, explained the significance of the find: “These unusual ankylosaur footprints, characterized by their three toes, led us to deduce that they belonged to a species equipped with tail clubs.”

Dr. Charles Helm, a scientific advisor for the Tumbler Ridge Museum, emphasized the groundbreaking potential of this finding. The dinosaur, presumed to measure between 5 and 6 meters in length, boasted a spiky and armored body as well as a strong tail, acting like a mace.

Their research has been officially published in the Journal of Vertebrate Palaeontology, where they reveal the newly named species: Ruopodosaurus clava, which translates to the 'tumbled-down lizard with a club.' Arbour noted, “This name pays homage to the Tumbler Ridge area, which has become iconic for its armored dinosaur footprints.”

Interestingly, no ankylosaurid bones had ever been discovered in North America, suggesting they may have vanished from the continent around 184 million years ago. Yet these fascinating footprints bridge that gap, confirming their presence alongside their four-toed relatives in the same area.

Helm excitedly remarked, “Finding both three-toed and four-toed footprints at the same site is incredible. I think people will be eager to see this!”

This discovery serves as a thrilling reminder that the past is still unveiling secrets right beneath our feet!