Tooth in the bone: Montana Museum fossil reveals face to face Tyrannosaurus attack

‘The Bite’ (Image: Jenn Hall/ Montana State University/ Museum of the Rockies)

Researchers at Montana State University’s Museum of the Rockies and the University of Alberta have analysed an Edmontosaurus skull discovered in the Hell Creek Formation that contains an embedded Tyrannosaurus tooth. Published in PeerJ, the study suggests the predator bit the duck-billed dinosaur with immense force, possibly during a fatal face-to-face attack. The rare fossil offers direct evidence of Tyrannosaurus feeding behaviour and sheds light on predator-prey interactions at the end of the Age of Dinosaurs.

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A fossil skull displayed at Montana State University's Museum of the Rockies is offering fresh insight into how Tyrannosaurus may have attacked its prey, according to new research published in the journal PeerJ.

Tyrannosaurus tooth found in Edmontosaurus skull

The fossil belongs to a large duck billed dinosaur. It is an Edmontosaurus from eastern Montana. The skull was discovered during excavations in 2005. It came from the Hell Creek Formation. The land is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The specimen is nearly complete and well preserved. A broken tooth remains lodged in its face. Researchers identified it as belonging to Tyrannosaurus.

Scientists compared the tooth with regional predators. It matched tyrannosaur teeth from the formation. CT scans were conducted at Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital. The imaging revealed details of the embedded fragment. Doctoral student Taia Wyenberg Henzler led the analysis. She collaborated with curator John Scannella. He oversees palaeontology at the museum.

What the embedded tooth reveals

Bite marks appear frequently in fossils. However, embedded teeth remain extremely uncommon. The tooth confirms both predator and victim. Researchers described it as a prehistoric crime scene. The skull shows no healing near wound edges. This suggests the animal died during attack. It may have been dead before biting. The angle indicates a direct face encounter. That pattern often reflects predatory behaviour.

Wyenberg Henzler said the force was immense. The tooth snapped within solid bone. Such power suggests a lethal confrontation. The scene hints at violent final moments. Tyrannosaurus roamed Montana sixty six million years ago. It shared territory with Triceratops and other herbivores. Edmontosaurus also lived in these floodplains.

Feeding behaviour debate continues

The feeding habits of Tyrannosaurus remain debated. Some studies question pure predator status. Others suggest scavenging formed part diet. This fossil adds behavioural evidence directly. It records active biting into prey. Scannella said such fossils capture behaviour rarely. The skull now features in Hall of Horns. Visitors can view this dramatic remnant. Researchers hope further finds clarify patterns.