Researchers at the University of Alberta have identified a dinosaur skull found in a British Columbia campground as belonging to a lighter and faster tyrannosaur species called Gorgosaurus, distinct from the more famous T. rex. The study, published in Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, sheds new light on the prehistoric creature that once inhabited Western Canada, according to lead author Colton Coppock.
The partial skull impression, estimated to be around 76 million years old, was discovered by a B.C. resident named Rick Lambert in Tumbler Ridge near the Alberta border. The finding, confirmed by the Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation, marked the first tyrannosaurus skull ever unearthed in B.C.
The cast of the dinosaur’s maxilla, or upper jaw, revealed unique features that allowed researchers to link it to Gorgosaurus libratus. Despite most of the actual bone being eroded, the well-preserved impression enabled the creation of a detailed cast, providing insights into the species’ characteristics.
Gorgosaurus, which existed approximately 76 million years ago, was described by Coppock as a relative of the T. rex but with a lighter build and longer limbs, akin to a faster version of its cousin. The species, known for its triangular horns above the eyes, was one of the first dinosaurs discovered in Alberta’s Dinosaur Park Formation.
Further analysis of the partial skull bones revealed distinct features such as bone sutures in the nasal area and unique jaw openings, indicating that the dinosaur was likely a juvenile at the time of its death. The study also suggested that Gorgosaurus had a broader range spanning from northern British Columbia to northern Montana, covering an area of approximately 198,000 square kilometers.
Coppock emphasized that Lambert’s discovery highlights British Columbia as a promising hub for future dinosaur findings, signaling a new frontier in paleontological research. For Lambert, the fossil represents not just a scientific discovery but also a testament to the enduring history of life on Earth.
