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Science & Nature • Paleontology

Utahraptor

Utahraptor is a genus of large dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaurs from the Early Cretaceous of what is now North America.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Utahraptor is a genus of large dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaurs from the Early Cretaceous of what is now North America. It is widely regarded as one of the largest known members of the dromaeosaur family and is known for its enlarged sickle-shaped claw on the second toe. Fossils have been found in Utah, United States, particularly in the Cedar Mountain Formation.

Discovery and naming

Utahraptor was named in 1993 by James I. Kirkland, Robert Gaston, and Donald Burge. The genus name refers to Utah, where the fossils were found.

Classification

Utahraptor belongs to Dromaeosauridae, a group of theropod dinosaurs often called raptors. It is closely related to other dromaeosaurids but is notably larger than most of them. In several reference sources it is described as the largest known member of Dromaeosauridae.

Size and anatomy

Reference sources describe Utahraptor as a large, feathered carnivorous dinosaur with a long body and powerful claws. Estimates commonly place it at about 6–7 metres in length and around 500 kilograms in weight.

Fossil record

Known fossils come mainly from Utah, including material from the Cedar Mountain Formation and sites near Moab. The known remains were important in establishing the dinosaur as a distinct genus.

Key facts

  • Utahraptor is one of the largest known dromaeosaurids.
  • It lived during the Early Cretaceous, about 139–135 million years ago.
  • Its fossils have been found in Utah, United States.
  • It possessed a distinctive sickle-shaped claw on the second toe.
  • The only recognized species is Utahraptor ostrommaysorum.
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Canadian context

Utahraptor is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through museum education, dinosaur research, and broader public interest in theropod evolution; no strong Canada-specific connection is indicated in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is Utahraptor?
Utahraptor is a genus of large, carnivorous dromaeosaurid dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of North America.
How big was Utahraptor?
Common estimates place it at about 6–7 metres long and around 500 kilograms, though published estimates vary.
Where was Utahraptor found?
Fossils were discovered in Utah, United States, especially in rocks of the Cedar Mountain Formation.
When did Utahraptor live?
It lived during the Early Cretaceous, about 139–135 million years ago.
Was Utahraptor a raptor?
Yes, in the paleontological sense: it was a dromaeosaurid, the dinosaur group commonly nicknamed raptors.

References

  1. Natural History Museum — https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/dino-directory/utahraptor.html
    Supports: Early Cretaceous age, dromaeosaurid classification, large size, North American origin, type species ostrommaysi
  2. Enchanted Learning — https://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/dinosaurs/facts/Utahraptor/
    Supports: Meaning of the name, named in 1993, general size estimates, Utah fossil locality, sickle-shaped claw
  3. Extinct Animals — https://www.extinctanimals.org/utahraptor.htm
    Supports: Type species Utahraptor ostrommaysorum and recognition as largest known member of Dromaeosauridae
  4. Smithsonian Magazine — https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/what-do-we-really-know-about-utahraptor-95334335/
    Supports: 1993 naming by Kirkland, Gaston, and Burge; early size estimates and later fossil discoveries
  5. Natural History Museum of Utah — https://nhmu.utah.edu/utahraptor-ostrommaysorum
    Supports: Early Cretaceous age, Utah fossil sites, dromaeosaurid classification, sickle claw description
  6. Utah Friends of Paleontology — https://utahpaleo.org/2021/03/19/utahraptor/
    Supports: Feathered, predatory theropod description and approximate age