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Paleontologists Uncover T. rex's Scavenging Habits Through Fossil Analysis

Paleontologists Uncover T. rex's Scavenging Habits Through Fossil Analysis

Archaeologists in northeastern Wyoming have discovered intriguing bite marks on Edmontosaurus annectens fossils, leading to new insights into the behavior of the Tyrannosaurus rex. A study led by paleontologist Bethania CT Siviero from Loma Linda University analyzed over 3,000 bone samples, identifying 12 with tooth marks. Four of these samples bore distinctive marks attributed to the T. rex, suggesting its role as both a predator and scavenger. The absence of healing on these marks indicates the T. rex likely fed on carcasses rather than live prey. This research not only highlights the T. rex's scavenging behavior but also establishes a method to differentiate between genuine tooth marks and environmental damage.

Burgess Shale Continues to Inspire with New Cambrian Fossil Discoveries

Burgess Shale Continues to Inspire with New Cambrian Fossil Discoveries

The Burgess Shale, a renowned Cambrian fossil site located in the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia, remains a significant source of scientific discovery and inspiration. Researchers have been studying this site for over a century, yet it continues to yield new species and insights into early animal evolution. Dr. Jean-Bernard Caron, a scientist passionate about Cambrian creatures, recently gave a talk at TELUS Spark in Calgary, highlighting the unique and bizarre nature of these ancient invertebrates. The Burgess Shale is particularly noted for its well-preserved fossils that offer a glimpse into the Cambrian Explosion, a period of rapid evolutionary development. The site is a treasure trove for paleontologists and artists alike, providing endless inspiration and scientific data.

Discovery of Ancient Cephalopod Fossil Sheds Light on Early Evolution

Discovery of Ancient Cephalopod Fossil Sheds Light on Early Evolution

Researchers have identified the earliest known cephalopod fossil, Eoceras shaanxiense, which provides new insights into the evolution of buoyancy control in these marine animals. The fossils, found in 520-million-year-old rocks in South China, are tiny, with shells measuring just 1 millimeter long. They contain a slender tube, identified as the oldest siphuncle on record, which cephalopods use to control buoyancy. This discovery pushes back the origin of cephalopods by approximately 30 million years, aligning with genetic estimates that place their origin in the early Cambrian period. The study, published in the journal Nature, highlights the significance of early Cambrian biodiversity and the evolutionary advancements that allowed cephalopods to leave the seafloor and become active hunters.

Scientists Discover 518-Million-Year-Old Fossil Tracing Origins of Spider Fangs

Scientists Discover 518-Million-Year-Old Fossil Tracing Origins of Spider Fangs

Researchers from Yunnan University and the University of Leicester have uncovered the earliest known evidence of structures that evolved into spider fangs, found in a 518-million-year-old fossil. This discovery was made at the Chengjiang fossil site in Yunnan Province, China. The fossil belongs to a small marine creature named Urokodia, which lived during the early Cambrian Period. Urokodia is part of the chelicerates group, which includes spiders, scorpions, and ticks. The fossil revealed pincer-like appendages, an early form of chelicerae, which are specialized appendages that function as pincers or fangs in modern chelicerates. This finding provides insight into the evolutionary history of these creatures, showing that their ancestors were already equipped with hunting tools hundreds of millions of years ago.

Wyoming Experiences Record-Breaking Heat in July, 2026 on Track for Hottest Year

Wyoming Experiences Record-Breaking Heat in July, 2026 on Track for Hottest Year

Wyoming experienced its hottest July on record, with temperatures reaching unprecedented levels across the state. According to Cowboy State Daily, meteorologist Don Day noted the remarkable consistency and intensity of the heat, particularly in northern and northeastern Wyoming. Several communities, including Big Piney, Buffalo, Casper, Lander, Riverton, Rock Springs, and Worland, set or tied records for the hottest July. The National Weather Service reported that Riverton experienced six days with temperatures over 100 degrees, significantly above the historical average. The heat wave was attributed to a high-pressure ridge over northeast Wyoming, which, combined with high humidity, prevented significant rainfall despite the presence of moisture. The ongoing heat is expected to continue into August, with no immediate relief in sight.

Ancient North American Mammals Diversified in Mexico Before Moving to South America

Ancient North American Mammals Diversified in Mexico Before Moving to South America

Recent fossil analysis suggests that ancient North American mammals gathered in Mexico and diversified before migrating to South America. This occurred between seven and ten million years ago, prior to the formation of the Isthmus of Panama, which later facilitated the Great American Biotic Interchange. The study, published in Science, indicates that these mammals were confined in a 'biogeographic holding pen' in Mexico, where they adapted and diversified. This new timeline offers insights into the ancestry of South American mammals, many of which have North American origins.

Whoopup Canyon Revealed as One of North America's Oldest Petroglyph Sites

Whoopup Canyon Revealed as One of North America's Oldest Petroglyph Sites

Whoopup Canyon, located near Newcastle, Wyoming, is home to one of the oldest and most significant petroglyph sites in North America. The site features hundreds of images carved into sandstone walls across 150 panels, depicting people, animals, and early technology used by Indigenous peoples. These petroglyphs, estimated to be between 3,000 and 10,500 years old, offer a realistic portrayal of life and culture from ancient times. The site is protected and access is limited, with tours occasionally organized by the Wyoming Historical Society and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Lucas Keeler, a BLM petroleum engineering technician, emphasizes the cultural and spiritual significance of these images, which are considered historical records rather than mere art.

Harriet Hageman's Efforts Lead to Cleanup of Public Campsite in Wyoming

Harriet Hageman's Efforts Lead to Cleanup of Public Campsite in Wyoming

Harriet Hageman, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, has been credited with facilitating the cleanup of a neglected campsite in the Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming. The site, previously known as the 'haunted campsite' due to an abandoned camper and lack of maintenance, was revitalized following Hageman's intervention. After receiving a complaint about the state of the campsite, Hageman reportedly cut through bureaucratic hurdles, resulting in the removal of the abandoned camper and road improvements by the Forest Service. The campsite, now clean and accessible, offers a scenic view of the Medicine Bow River and attracts wildlife, making it a favored spot for public camping.

Iowa State sets home men’s wrestling opponents for 2026-27 season

Iowa State sets home men’s wrestling opponents for 2026-27 season

Iowa State University has announced its seven-dual home wrestling schedule for the 2026-27 season on Monday, marking the inaugural campaign for head coach Brent Metcalf. The Cyclones will host matches at Hilton Coliseum against Bucknell, Arizona State, Wyoming, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Stanford and Cornell. The slate is highlighted by its competitive strength, as five of […]

Wyoming Game and Fish Department Safely Relocates Yearling Bear from Casper Garage

Wyoming Game and Fish Department Safely Relocates Yearling Bear from Casper Garage

A yearling bear was discovered in a residential garage in east Casper, Wyoming, prompting a response from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The bear, which appeared to have been recently weaned, was likely searching for new territory after being separated from its mother. Janet Milek, a public information officer for the department, confirmed the incident and noted that while such occurrences are unusual for homeowners, they are not uncommon for young bears. The bear was immobilized and safely relocated by the department.

U.S. Commerce Department Invests $40 Million in Idaho-Wyoming Nuclear Tech Hub

U.S. Commerce Department Invests $40 Million in Idaho-Wyoming Nuclear Tech Hub

U.S. Commerce Department Invests $40 Million in Idaho-Wyoming Nuclear Tech Hub

Texas Influencer Offers $10,000 for Identities of Hunters Who Kill Yellowstone Wolves Outside Park

Texas Influencer Offers $10,000 for Identities of Hunters Who Kill Yellowstone Wolves Outside Park

An animal-rights influencer from Texas, Jonas Black, has announced a $10,000 bounty for information leading to the identification of Wyoming hunters who legally kill gray wolves that have wandered outside Yellowstone National Park. This move has been criticized by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) as an attempt to harass lawful hunters. Black's offer, posted on Facebook, specifically targets those who might hunt members of Mollie's pack, a group of wolves that recently left the park's boundaries. The WGFD director, Angi Bruce, condemned the bounty, emphasizing the protection of hunters' identities under Wyoming law to prevent harassment. The law, enacted in 2012, ensures that information identifying hunters is not public record. However, it does not prevent private individuals from disclosing such information obtained by other means.