Unearthed Footprints: A Groundbreaking Find!

In a thrilling revelation, scientists have unearthed the first-ever footprints of armoured dinosaurs boasting formidable clubbed tails! These remarkable fossilized tracks, dating back a staggering 100 million years, were found in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, specifically in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, and north-west Alberta.

Meet the Ankylosaurs!

These ancient giants, known as ankylosaurs, were robust, tank-like creatures shielded with bony armour. They have two main factions: the nodosaurids, characterized by flexible tails and four toes, and the more fearsome ankylosaurids, identifiable by their heavy, club-like tails and three toes. Until now, four-toed ankylosaur footprints had been documented across North America, but these three-toed tracks mark the first confirmed presence of ankylosaurids!

Introducing Ruopodosaurus clava!

The newly identified species has been aptly named Ruopodosaurus clava, translating to 'the tumbled-down lizard with a club or mace'. This name pays homage to both the rugged landscape where it was discovered and the dinosaur's unique tail weapon.

The Pioneers Behind the Discovery!

Led by Dr. Victoria Arbour, a passionate palaeontologist from the Royal BC Museum, this groundbreaking study involved collaboration with the Tumbler Ridge Museum and the local UNESCO Global Geopark. Their exciting findings made headlines in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.

What Did Ruopodosaurus Look Like?

"While the exact appearance of the Ruopodosaurus remains a mystery, we estimate it was roughly 5-6 meters long, spiky, armoured, and had a stiff tail or a full tail club,” Dr. Arbour explained, radiating enthusiasm about these ancient creatures.

The Mystery of the Three-Toed Tracks!

Years prior, Dr. Charles Helm, a scientific advisor at the Tumbler Ridge Museum, had spotted these enigmatic three-toed tracks and, in 2023, he enlisted Dr. Arbour’s expertise to delve deeper into this Jurassic puzzle. They were joined by a stellar team including curator Eamon Drysdale and the late dinosaur expert Martin Lockley.

A Glimpse into the Mid-Cretaceous Era!

These astonishing footprints date back to the mid-Cretaceous period, around 100 to 94 million years ago. Intriguingly, no ankylosaurid bones from this era have ever been found in North America, raising questions about their existence during that time. However, these incredible tracks confirm that tail-clubbed ankylosaurs were indeed roaming the earth, thriving alongside their nodosaurid relatives.

Tumbler Ridge: A Dinosaur Hotspot!

"Since two young boys stumbled upon an ankylosaur trackway near Tumbler Ridge back in 2000, the area has been synonymous with ankylosaurs,” remarked Helm. "Now we know there were two types of ankylosaurs cohabitating this region, with Ruopodosaurus being exclusive to Canada.”

A Rich History Awaiting Discovery!

Dr. Arbour noted that this study shines a light on the importance of northeastern BC’s Peace Region in piecing together North America’s dinosaur evolution. With so much more yet to uncover, the world of paleontology in this stunning part of Canada continues to surprise!