A Massive New Dinosaur Has Been Found In Montana

An Amazing New Dinosaur Has Been Discovered In Montana

It's not every day that Montana makes national news, but this is very cool.

A new dinosaur has been found in the ancient swamps of Montana.

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Wait, Ancient Swamps Of Montana?

Yep, the ancient swamps of Montana is where this dinosaur was found.

It seems the badlands of northern Montana, right by the Canadian border, used to be an island called Laramidia.

That's where this dinosaur, who lived 92 million years ago, was unearthed, and a replica will now be on display at the Natural History Museum of Utah.

National History Museum of Utah/Drawings of Lokiceratops rangiformis by Fabrizio Lavezza/The Museum of Evolution, Knuthenborg CC BY-NC-ND

What Do We Know About This New Dinosaur?

First off, the name of this new dinosaur is Lokiceratops rangiformis. The first part of its name means “Loki’s horned face,” named after the Norse god of mischief, Loki.

The second part, or rangiformis, refers to the horns found on each side of the dinosaur's frill, which is the largest ever found on a horned dinosaur.

One other unique characteristic is the fact that this horned dinosaur does not possess a nose horn, a first for its species.

It's also very old, having lived almost 12 million years before the more famous triceratops roamed the earth.

To see an artist's interpretation of what this dinosaur could look like, click here.

This recent find adds to the history of dinosaur discoveries in Montana, and hopefully someday soon it can come home to be displayed at the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman.

Drawings of Lokiceratops rangiformis by Fabrizio Lavezza/The Museum of Evolution, Knuthenborg CC BY-NC-ND

Montana's Museum Of The Rockies Is For Everyone! Check It Out

Museum of the Rockies is nestled right next to Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman. The Museum is part of the American Alliance of Museums, which means that the Museum of the Rockies is one of the 1,095 museums to hold this distinction. With over 33,000 museums nationwide, this is quite an accomplishment.

The Museum of the Rockies is also part of the Montana Dinosaur Trail. What is that? It is a trail that runs through the state of Montana and has 14 locations. Each location will get you just a little closer to the history and knowledge of Dinosaurs.

Museum of the Rockies has current and rotating exhibits. Currently, (December 2021) here are some of my favorites that are on display: Siebel Dinosaur Complex, Welcome to Yellowstone Country, which digs into the history of Montana, Enduring Peoples Exhibit, highlighting the American Indians of Montana, and the Paugh Exhibit, illuminating the stories that connect us with the Northern Colorado Rockies. You can see all the exhibits here to make planning your trip easier.

Museum of the Rockies is an independent 501 Non-Profit here in Bozeman. With that being said, they hold some of the most exquisite benefits throughout the year. This gives the museum the opportunity to continue to be a highlight for the city of Bozeman. Another way to continue the success of the Museum of the Rockies is to become a member.

If you are considering donating to the Museum of the Rockies, you can check it out here and decide which program works best for you. Help Bozeman keep this amazing learning tool open and available to everyone. Enjoy your time at the Museum of the Rockies.

Gallery Credit: Megan Shaul

Meet the Dinosaurs That Roamed Ancient Wyoming

Discover the mighty dinosaurs that roamed the Cowboy State, featuring information shared by the Geological Museum at the University of Wyoming. Learn about the types of dinosaurs that lived in pre-historic Wyoming, fun facts about them, and more.

Gallery Credit: Phylicia Peterson, Townsquare Media Laramie/Cheyenne

5 Dinosaurs That Once Roamed Prehistoric Idaho

Nestled amid Idaho's breathtaking landscapes and outdoor adventures lies a hidden chapter in its rich history: the existence of remarkable prehistoric creatures!

Beyond the scenic wonders, features five of the Gem State's six captivating dinosaurs, each with a story etched in the ancient rocks of Idaho.

Scroll on for a look at the extraordinary creatures that offer a glimpse into the fascinating world of Idaho's prehistoric terrain.

Gallery Credit: Ryan Antoinette Valenzuela