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Almost complete Triceratops skeleton excavated in Wyoming

Sarah Hofmann Contributor
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Scientists unearthed an almost entirely complete triceratops skeleton in Wyoming after a rancher alerted scientists to the unusual discovery on his land. The Black Hills Institute of Geological Research and Naturalis Biodiversity Center began the dig in early May and expects to complete it in a month.

Pete Larson, president of the Black Hills Institute, told the Billings Gazette, “This triceratops could easily be one of the most complete in the world. It only has to be 50 percent complete to be one of the top four most complete in the world.”

Complete skeletons of triceratops are extremely rare because the late-Cretaceous herbivore appeared to be the favorite snack of the carnivorous Tyrannosaurus Rex. When the T. rex killed triceratops, it devoured the entire carcass, including skin and bones.

This skeleton was found with two other skeletons, which could indicate a family unit.

“We have the opportunity to really rewrite the book on triceratops,” Larson said.

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