Acheroraptor sp. Tooth-Montana 001

 Taxa: Acheroraptor sp.

Geology: Hell Creek formation

Age: Cretaceous-Maastrichtian

Locality: Powder River County, Montana

Size: 1/4" or 7mm

 No repairs or restorations.

Acheroraptor

Acheroraptor is an extinct genus of carnivorous, bipedal dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaur that lived in North America during the very end of the Late Cretaceous period, roughly 66 million years ago. Discovered in the famous Hell Creek Formation of Montana and formally described in 2013, its name translates from the Greek and Latin words for "underworld thief," referencing both its geological home and its predatory nature. Growing to an estimated length of around 2.5 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet), Acheroraptor is especially significant to paleontologists because it is one of the youngest known dromaeosaurids, existing right up until the Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction event alongside iconic dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops.

Hell Creek formation

The Hell Creek Formation is a geologic formation in North America, primarily spanning Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. It dates to the Late Cretaceous period, around 66 million years ago, and is famous for its rich fossil record, including dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Edmontosaurus. It also contains evidence of the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event, including an iridium layer associated with the asteroid impact that contributed to the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs. The formation also preserves fossils of plants, mammals, fish, and reptiles, providing valuable insights into prehistoric ecosystems.