Smithsonian Magazine · People & society

First Adult T. Rex Trackway Discovered in North Dakota

Paleontologists have identified four fossilized footprints in North Dakota, believed to be the first trackway ever found from an adult Tyrannosaurus rex. The discovery offers a rare glimpse into the dinosaur's behavior.

The 23-foot trackway, found in 2025, features two left and two right footprints, each about three feet long. One shows a claw impression. Researchers estimate the T. rex walked at 3.4 to 4.5 mph.

The tracks are from the Hell Creek Formation, dating back 66 to 68 million years, an area known for T. rex fossils. Large theropod trackways are unusual here due to the ancient riparian habitat.

Scientists believe water and minerals preserved the tracks as hardened casts. This unique combination of conditions allowed the footprints to survive erosion over millions of years.

To prevent erosion, three tracks were removed from federal land for transport to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. High-resolution scans were also taken to create digital 3D models.

The tracks and models may reveal more about T. rex movement and foot structure. Trackways capture behavior, allowing scientists to trace an animal's path, which is rare for T. rex.

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