**Saurornitholestes: The “Lizard-Bird Thief” Dinosaur**
Saurornitholestes, which means “lizard-bird thief,” is a type of dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, around 83 to 68 million years ago. Fossils of this small, meat-eating dinosaur have been found in Canada and several states in the United States, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, New Mexico, Alabama, and South Carolina.
### The Discovery
The first skeleton of Saurornitholestes was discovered in 1974 by a fossil hunter named Irene Vanderloh in Alberta, Canada. After further study, the dinosaur was officially named by Hans-Dieter Sues in 1978, in honor of a paleontologist named Wann Langston, Jr. The name “Saurornitholestes” reflects its similarities to a group of dinosaurs called Saurornithoididae—now often linked to Troodontidae.
### How Big Was It?
Saurornitholestes was a small dinosaur. The type species, Saurornitholestes langstoni, measured about 4 to 6 feet long and weighed between 11 to 50 pounds. It stood about 2 feet tall at the hips. This dinosaur was light and built for speed, similar to another well-known dinosaur, Velociraptor.
### Features and Appearance
This dinosaur was a biped, meaning it walked on two legs. One of its key features was a long, sharp claw on the second toe, which it likely used for hunting and grabbing prey. Saurornitholestes had pointed teeth that were perfect for catching and eating small animals.
### Feeding Habits
Saurornitholestes was a skilled hunter. It used a technique known as “puncture and pull” to eat its prey. Scientists believe that it mostly targeted larger animals than small theropods like Troodontids. Evidence shows it may have scavenged too, as a tooth from Saurornitholestes was found embedded in the bone of a larger flying reptile, possibly indicating it was feeding on leftovers.
### Where Did It Live?
Saurornitholestes lived in various environments across North America. In some areas like Alberta, it inhabited plains and swamps. It shared its habitat with other dinosaurs such as large hadrosaurs and other meat-eating dinosaurs. Fossils indicate that Saurornitholestes may have been quite common in some regions during its time.
### Conclusion
In summary, Saurornitholestes was a fascinating dinosaur that thrived during the Late Cretaceous period. With its unique features, agile build, and predatory lifestyle, it offers great insight into the diverse world of dinosaurs that roamed the Earth millions of years ago.