Remains of dinosaur skull found in B.C. campground belonged to T. rex ‘great-uncle’

A fossilized skull impression discovered in a British Columbia campground has been identified as belonging to a tyrannosaur species known as Gorgosaurus, which scientists describe as the “great-uncle” of the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex. The find, made in 2017 by local resident Rick Lambert, has led to new insights into the ancient creatures that once roamed western Canada. Lambert stumbled upon the unusual rock while hiking near Tumbler Ridge, close to the Alberta border, in 2017. His keen eye, honed through childhood fossil-hunting experiences in England, proved crucial in recognizing the significance of the find. A squirrel's activity near the riverbank even played a role in drawing his attention to the peculiar formation. The Tumbler Ridge Museum Foundation quickly dispatched a paleontologist to examine the site, confirming that Lambert had uncovered the first known tyrannosaur skull found in British Columbia. The fossilized impression, preserved in a sandstone block, includes the dinosaur’s maxilla, its upper jaw. While most of the original bone had eroded over time, the impression remained remarkably intact, allowing researchers to create a detailed cast. This cast became instrumental in identifying the specimen as Gorgosaurus libratus, a species that lived approximately 76 million years ago. This date places the creature roughly 10 million years prior to the emergence of T. rex. Colton Coppock, lead author of the study published in the journal Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, noted that the unique characteristics of the skull impression matched those of Gorgosaurus. He explained that the species was lighter and more agile than T. rex, with longer limbs and triangular horns above its eyes. These traits suggest a more active lifestyle, akin to a faster version of the better-known predator. The Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta states that Gorgosaurus could grow up to nine meters in length. Researchers used the cast to analyze the internal structure of the maxilla, comparing it to more complete Gorgosaurus skulls. They identified specific features such as bone sutures in the nasal region and a distinctive rod of bone within the upper jaw, both of which are characteristic of the species. Further analysis revealed that the dinosaur was likely a juvenile when it died. Its teeth, described as incisiform, suggest a diet focused on precision cutting rather than powerful biting. This contrasts with the adult Gorgosaurus, which would have possessed stronger, more robust teeth suited for tearing meat. The study also indicates that Gorgosaurus inhabited a vast territory, stretching from parts of eastern British Columbia down to northern Montana, covering an estimated 198,000 square kilometers, an area comparable to the ranges of modern predators like grizzly bears and cougars. Eamon Drysdale, curator of the Tumbler Ridge Museum, emphasized the importance of the find, noting that while the region is rich in dinosaur material, the presence of such a rare skull impression is exceptional. The original sandstone block containing the impression is carefully preserved under controlled conditions, ensuring its continued study and preservation. Rick Lambert’s discovery highlights the potential for further discoveries in British Columbia, offering a glimpse into the prehistoric world that once thrived in the region. As research continues, the implications of this find may reshape our understanding of tyrannosaur evolution and distribution in North America.