The Fearsome “Terrible Claw” Dinosaur
Meet Deinonychus, the fearsome “terrible claw” dinosaur of the Cretaceous period, around 115 to 108 million years ago!
| Meaning | Terrible claw [Deino-nychus] |
| Pronunciation | dy-NON-ih-kus |
| When: | Early Cretaceous (about 115–108 million years ago) |
| Where: | North America (present-day Montana, Wyoming) |
| What: | Dromaeosaurid theropod (bipedal carnivorous) |
| Weight: | Estimated around 70–100 kg (154–220 pounds) |
| Length: | Approximately 3.4 meters (11 feet) |
| Diet: | Carnivorous (hunted small prey like reptiles, mammals, and possibly young dinosaurs) |
| Discovered: | First described by John Ostrom in 1969 |
This agile predator was a member of the dromaeosaurid family, closely related to Velociraptor.
Deinonychus was known for its distinctive sickle-shaped claws on its hind feet, which it used to slash and hold onto prey.
With a sleek, agile body and keen intelligence, Deinonychus was likely a swift and effective hunter, preying on smaller dinosaurs and possibly even larger ones in packs. Its name means “terrible claw,” highlighting the lethal weaponry it possessed.
Imagine Deinonychus stalking through dense forests or open plains, its sharp teeth and claws ready to strike.
This dinosaur played a significant role in our understanding of dinosaur behavior and intelligence, showcasing the diversity and complexity of the Mesozoic world.