Paleontologists Strike Gold in the Canadian Rockies

In a groundbreaking revelation, paleontologists have unearthed fossilized footprints from ankylosaurid dinosaurs—remarkable relatives of the more familiar nodosaurids. This extraordinary find, nestled within the stunning Canadian Rockies, marks a pivotal moment in the fossil record of armored dinosaurs.

Discovering the First Three-Toed Ankylosaurid Tracks

Dating back an astonishing 100 million years, these ancient tracks were discovered across two sites: Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia and northwestern Alberta. What makes this discovery truly unique is the distinct three-toe feature, diverging from the expected four-toed prints typical of nodosaurids, hinting at a fascinating evolutionary twist.

Introducing Ruopodosaurus Clava: A New Dinosaur Species

In light of this discovery, researchers are proposing a new species named Ruopodosaurus clava, translating to "the tumbled-down lizard with a club." This name not only reflects the enticing topography of the region but also pays homage to the unique tail weapons used by these creatures.

Dr. Victoria Arbour, curator of paleontology at the Royal BC Museum and the leading researcher, describes the mysterious dinosaur behind these tracks: "While we can’t pinpoint its exact appearance, we can suggest it was roughly 5 to 6 meters long, armed with spikes and armor, and boasted a incredibly stiff or club-like tail."

Revising the Cretaceous Timeline

These newfound tracks unveil an unexpected narrative of the Cretaceous period—particularly between 100 and 84 million years ago—when skeletal evidence of ankylosaurids was absent from North America. This absence led some paleontologists to theorize these dinosaurs had vanished from the continent.

As noted by researchers, "these footprints illustrate that tail-clubbed ankylosaurs thrived in North America during this skeletal gap, revealing a richer history of coexistence between nodosaurids and ankylosaurids in the lush ecosystems of northeastern British Columbia."

A Collaborative Effort Across Time and Space

This remarkable discovery is the culmination of decades-long collaboration among scientists and institutions. Dr. Charles Helm, scientific advisor at the Tumbler Ridge Museum, had been observing these three-toed tracks for years when he invited Dr. Arbour to investigate further on a visit in 2023.

Reflecting on the past, Helm shared, "Since two young boys stumbled upon an ankylosaur trackway near Tumbler Ridge in 2000, this area has been closely associated with ankylosaurs. It's exhilarating to confirm that not one, but two types of ankylosaurs once roamed this region, and that Ruopodosaurus is exclusive to this part of Canada."

The Peace Region: A Treasure Trove of Prehistoric Wonders

The research team, including experts from the Tumbler Ridge Museum and the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark, along with the late Martin Lockley from the University of Colorado, emphasizes the critical importance of the Peace Region for understanding dinosaur evolution in North America. This discovery not only enriches our knowledge but also deepens our connection to the ancient world that once thrived beneath our feet.