Ornitholestes

An Ornitholestes waits patiently to scavenge a meal of a much larger Allosaur.

Fossils of small carnivorous dinosaurs are rare in Alberta, even though fragmentary remains indicate that many different kinds lived here.

Ornitholestes was a small, relatively primitive dinosaur. They probably captured lizards and other small animals for food, and scavenged to supplement their diets. It may also have been a pack hunter.

The relatively long hind legs were well adapted for running. Although its forelimbs were small, its fingers were well developed.

This document was prepared by Wayne Hortensius, Calgary, Alberta, Canada for the Royal Tyrrell Museum Cooperating Society. All information © 1995 Royal Tyrrell Museum. All Rights Reserved.
Updated: April 8, 1995

Comments, questions, suggestions?