First-ever adult Tyrannosaurus rex trackway discovered in North Dakota badlands

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1. 7d ago

   Adult T. rex trackway discovered in North Dakota badlands

   Scientists have discovered a 23-foot-long trackway with four footprints preserved in mudstone, likely from an adult Tyrannosaurus rex, in the Hell Creek Formation of Marmarth, North Dakota. The find provides rare physical evidence of the movement and gait of an adult specimen from the late Cretaceous period, 66.5 million years ago. Analysis shows the 7-ton predator traveled at a walking speed of 1.6 meters per second.

   Why it matters

   The discovery of the T. rex trackway offers insights into the behavior and locomotion of the species. The Hell Creek Formation is a well-known fossil site, but adult T. rex footprints are extremely rare. The preservation of the trackway is crucial for understanding the dynamics of T. rex movement.

   What is confirmed

   • The T. rex trackway is 23 feet long and contains four footprints preserved in mudstone.
   • The trackway dates back 66.5 million years to the late Cretaceous period.
   • The adult T. rex traveled at a walking speed of 1.6 meters per second.
   • The fossilized footprints were airlifted from the Little Missouri National Grasslands in western North Dakota.

   What to watch next

   • Further analysis of the trackway
   • Preservation process of the fossilized footprints
   • Publication of detailed research findings
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.earth.com — Four giant footprints reveal how T. rex walked 66 million ...
   2. www.aol.com — Four giant footprints reveal how T. rex walked 66 million years ago
   3. www.kfyrtv.com — North Dakota’s prehistoric footprint: Scientists discover T ...
   4. www.minotdailynews.com — Fossilized T. rex footprints airlifted from grasslands
   5. bismarcktribune.com — Fossilized T. rex footprints airlifted from North Dakota
   6. article.wn.com — Fossilized T. rex footprints airlifted by US Forest Service
   confidence 100%
2. 10d ago

   Adult T. rex trackway identified in North Dakota badlands

   Kent Hups discovered a 23-foot-long trackway belonging to an adult Tyrannosaurus rex in the Hell Creek Formation of Marmarth, North Dakota. The site contains four footprints preserved in mudstone dating back 66.5 million years. Analysis shows the 7-ton predator traveled at a walking speed of 1.6 meters per second. This find provides rare physical evidence of the movement and gait of an adult specimen from the late Cretaceous period.

   Why it matters

   The Hell Creek Formation is a key geological site for studying the end of the dinosaur era. Direct evidence of adult T. rex locomotion is rare compared to skeletal remains. This discovery helps researchers quantify the actual movement of these predators in their natural environment.

   What is confirmed

   • Kent Hups discovered a 23-foot-long adult Tyrannosaurus rex trackway in Marmarth, North Dakota.
   • The trackway consists of four footprints preserved in mudstone within the Hell Creek Formation.
   • The fossils date back 66.5 million years.
   • The 7-ton predator moved at a walking speed of 1.6 meters per second.

   What to watch next

   • Publication of peer-reviewed gait analysis
   • Discovery of additional footprints in the Marmarth region
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.firstcitizens.com — Digital Banking | Personal Online Banking | First Citizens Bank
   2. www.fbvirginia.com — First Bank. There's Power In One. Business and personal banking.
   3. www.winchesterstar.com — winchesterstar.com
   4. www.fbvirginia.com — Bank Locations and Hours - Virginia | First Bank
   5. www.firstbank.com — Personal Bank Accounts - First Bank & Trust Company
   6. www.firstbank.com — First Bank & Trust - Online Banking, Loans, & Financial Services
   confidence 100%
3. 13d ago

   North Dakota badlands yield first adult T. rex trackway

   Kent Hups discovered a 23-foot-long trackway of an adult Tyrannosaurus rex in the Hell Creek Formation of Marmarth, North Dakota, in July 2025. The trail consists of four footprints preserved in mudstone. Analysis of the site indicates the 7-ton predator moved at a walking speed of 1.6 meters per second. The fossils date back 66.5 million years.

   Why it matters

   Physical evidence of dinosaur locomotion is rare. This discovery provides specific data on the gait and speed of a mature apex predator.

   What is confirmed

   • Kent Hups found the trackway in July 2025.
   • The 23-foot-long trail consists of four footprints in mudstone.
   • The Tyrannosaurus rex was estimated to weigh 7 tons and walked at 1.6 meters per second.
   • The fossils are located in the Hell Creek Formation of Marmarth, North Dakota, and are 66.5 million years old.

   What to watch next

   • Peer-reviewed publication of the locomotion analysis
   • Further excavation of the Marmarth site for additional footprints
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.first-online.bank — First Financial Bank
   2. www.joinmychurch.com — First Pentecostal Church - Grovetown, GA | Worship Times &...
   confidence 100%
4. 16d ago

   Adult T. rex trackway discovered in North Dakota badlands

   A 66.5-million-year-old trackway of four footprints left by an adult Tyrannosaurus rex has been discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of Marmarth, North Dakota. The 23-foot-long trail, preserved in mudstone, reveals a walking speed of 1.6 meters per second for the estimated 7-ton predator. This physical evidence offers rare insight into prehistoric dinosaur locomotion. High school teacher Kent Hups found the trackway in July 2025.

   Why it matters

   The discovery provides a unique opportunity to study the locomotion of a Tyrannosaurus rex. The Hell Creek Formation is a dinosaur fossil hotspot. Skeletal remains alone cannot provide the same level of insight into dinosaur movement. This find has educational value, with Hups using it as a tool for his students.

   What is confirmed

   • The trackway is 23 feet long and consists of four footprints.
   • The trackway is 66.5 million years old.
   • The walking speed of the T. rex was 1.6 meters per second.
   • Kent Hups, a high school teacher, discovered the trackway.
   • The trackway was found in the Hell Creek Formation of Marmarth, North Dakota.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Kent Hups is from Northglenn, Colorado.

   What to watch next

   • Further excavation of the trackway for more details
   • Publication of a peer-reviewed study on the discovery
   • Additional discoveries of T. rex trackways for comparative analysis
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. thestudentnews.co.uk — Teacher finds first set of multiple T. rex footprints
   2. www.le-bouillon-larochelle.fr — Quatre empreintes retrouvées dans le Dakota du Nord : ce sont ...
   confidence 100%
5. 19d ago

   First Adult T. Rex Trackway Discovered in North Dakota

   Researchers have documented the first known sequence of footprints left by an adult Tyrannosaurus rex. High school teacher Kent Hups discovered the 23-foot-long trail of four footprints in the Hell Creek Formation of Marmarth, North Dakota. The 66.5-million-year-old trackway, preserved in mudstone, reveals a walking speed of 1.6 meters per second for the estimated 7-ton predator. This physical evidence offers rare insight into prehistoric dinosaur locomotion that skeletal remains alone cannot provide. Hups uses the find as an educational tool for his students.

   Why it matters

   The find provides direct behavioral data on how large carnivorous dinosaurs moved across ancient terrain, shifting scientific perspectives on Tyrannosaurus rex. Fossil evidence has historically portrayed the animal as a solitary tyrant, but trackways add crucial context about its daily movement and pace. The discovery bridges a gap between static bone analysis and dynamic movement.

   What is confirmed

   • High school teacher Kent Hups discovered the first known trackway of an adult Tyrannosaurus rex.
   • The 23-foot-long trail consists of four consecutive footprints dating back 66.5 million years.
   • The trackway was uncovered in the Hell Creek Formation of Marmarth, North Dakota.
   • Analysis indicates the predator moved at a walking speed of 1.6 meters per second and weighed an estimated 7 tons.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The discovery offers a clear answer regarding whether a human could outrun a T. rex.

   What to watch next

   • Further scientific analysis of the Hell Creek Formation slope where the trackway was found
   • Additional studies evaluating T. rex speed and social behavior based on the new footprint evidence
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.aol.com — Could a human outrun a T. rex? New evidence offers an answer
   2. www.evokemedia.io — Adult T. Rex Footprint Sequence Discovered in North Dakota
   3. www.nationalgeographic.com — The Complicated Social Life of a Tyrannosaurus Rex
   4. www.earth.com — Four fossil footprints found by a high school teacher may be the first recorded consecutive steps made by an adult T. rex
   5. tripjaunt.com — Could You Outrun a T. rex? North Dakota Trackway Offers a ...
   6. news-unlimited.com — Science — News Unlimited
   confidence 100%
6. 25d ago

   North Dakota Teacher Finds First T. rex Trackway

   Ken Hups, a high school teacher, discovered the first known trackway of a Tyrannosaurus rex in the Hell Creek Formation of southwestern North Dakota. The 23-foot-long trail dates back 66.5 million years and consists of four connected footprints. Analysis indicates the predator, estimated at 7 tons, moved at a walking speed of 1.6 meters per second. This discovery provides rare behavioral evidence of prehistoric locomotion that skeletal fossils cannot offer. Hups now uses the find as an educational tool for students.

   Why it matters

   Trace fossils preserve activities and behaviors rather than physical remains. This specific find is the first of its kind for an adult T. rex. It helps researchers understand how the apex predator moved shortly before its extinction.

   What is confirmed

   • Ken Hups discovered a 23-foot-long Tyrannosaurus rex trackway in North Dakota's Hell Creek Formation.
   • The trackway is approximately 66.5 million years old.
   • The sequence contains four connected footprints.
   • The dinosaur traveled at a walking speed of 1.6 meters per second.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The T. rex that left the footprints weighed 7 tons.
   • The discovery was shared by 9NEWS on September 11, 2026.

   What to watch next

   • Peer-reviewed publication of the locomotion analysis
   • Further excavation of the Hell Creek Formation site
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. answersingenesis.org — First Series of T. rex Fossil Footprints Discovered
   2. www.youtube.com — EP.28 | Could You Outwalk a T. rex? - YouTube
   3. scoop.upworthy.com — High school teacher discovers the first 23-ft-long trackway ...
   4. www.birdsadvice.com — A 7-Ton T. Rex Left Behind Something Scientists Had Never ...
   5. economictimes.indiatimes.com — rare animal discovery: Latest News & Videos, Photos about ...
   confidence 90%
7. 29d ago

   First Adult Tyrannosaurus Rex Trackway Discovered in North Dakota

   Researchers uncovered the first-ever adult Tyrannosaurus rex trackway in the Hell Creek Formation of southwestern North Dakota. The 66.5-million-year-old sequence contains four connected footprints left by an apex predator before its extinction. Analysis of the stride reveals the dinosaur traveled at a walking speed of 1.6 meters per second, matching a quick human pace. This rare discovery yields behavioral insights into prehistoric locomotion that fossilized bones alone cannot provide.

   Why it matters

   Trackways offer direct evidence of how extinct animals moved and behaved in their natural environments. Skeletal fossils reveal physical structures, but footprints capture living dynamics such as velocity and stride length. This sequence dates back to the period immediately preceding the extinction of the species.

   What is confirmed

   • The trackway is located in the Hell Creek Formation of southwestern North Dakota.
   • The footprint sequence is 66.5 million years old.
   • The trackway consists of four connected giant footprints.
   • The dinosaur moved at an ambling pace of 1.6 meters per second.

   What to watch next

   • Additional analysis of the Hell Creek Formation trackway for further behavioral patterns.
   • Formal publication of the stride data in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. dictionary.cambridge.org — FIRST | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
   2. www.firstinspires.org — FIRST | For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
   3. fnbmichigan.bank — First National Bank of Michigan – Made in Michigan to Serve ...
   4. firstclasscannabisco.com — First Class Cannabis
   5. fnbmichigan.bank — Lansing - First National Bank of Michigan
   6. www.firstinspires.org — Find Teams & Events | FIRST
   confidence 100%
8. 31d ago

   First Adult T. rex Trackway Discovered in North Dakota

   Scientists and researchers have gained unprecedented insight into prehistoric locomotion following the discovery of the first known adult Tyrannosaurus rex trackway. Located in the Hell Creek Formation of southwestern North Dakota, the 66.5-million-year-old sequence features four connected giant footprints left by an apex predator before extinction. Analysis of the stride indicates the dinosaur moved at an ambling pace of 1.6 meters per second, which is roughly equivalent to a quick human walking speed. This rare footprint series provides behavioral clues that fossilized bones alone could never show regarding how the animal actually walked.

   Why it matters

   Northglenn High School science teacher Kent Hups stumbled across the tracks while volunteering with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on July 9, 2025. Prior to this find, scientists lacked direct trackway evidence to study the walking dynamics and movement speeds of adult Tyrannosaurus rex specimens. The discovery sheds light on whether these massive predators routinely ran or strolled during their daily routines.

   What is confirmed

   • A 66.5-million-year-old T. rex trackway was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of southwestern North Dakota.
   • Northglenn High School science teacher Kent Hups discovered the footprints while volunteering with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
   • The sequence consists of four connected giant footprints that hint at an ambling pace of 1.6 meters per second, equivalent to a quick human walking speed.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The discovered steps were described as poorly preserved.

   What to watch next

   • Additional peer-reviewed publications detailing the precise anatomical analysis of the trackway
   • Further excavations by the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in the Hell Creek Formation
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. economictimes.indiatimes.com — Scientists found something T. rex bones could never show ...
   2. www.sciencetimes.com — First Known Adult T. Rex Trackway Discovered in North Dakota ...
   3. www.natureworldnews.com — Colorado Teacher’s Find Gives Scientists the First Known ...
   4. www.sciencenews.org — First series of adult T. rex footprints hints at its walking ...
   5. www.archyde.com — First Adult T. Rex Footprints Found in North Dakota - Archyde
   6. www.archyde.com — A high school teacher stumbled across T. Rex footprints in a ...
   confidence 100%
9. 37d ago

   Adult T. rex trackway found in North Dakota Hell Creek Formation

   Kent Hups, a high school science teacher, discovered the first known adult Tyrannosaurus rex trackway in the Hell Creek Formation of North Dakota. The 66.5-million-year-old sequence contains four connected footprints with a 13-foot stride. Analysis shows the dinosaur traveled at 3.5 to 4.5 miles per hour. This speed matches a brisk human walk, indicating the predator often strolled instead of running.

   Why it matters

   Footprint sequences provide rare data on dinosaur locomotion and behavior that skeletal remains cannot offer. This find helps researchers understand the movement patterns of the T. rex during the late Cretaceous period.

   What is confirmed

   • A high school science teacher found the first known T. rex trackway in North Dakota.
   • The footprints date back 66.5 million years.

   What to watch next

   • Peer review of the stride and speed calculations
   • Analysis of additional trackways in the Hell Creek Formation
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.discoverwildlife.com — First-ever T. rex trackway found by high school teacher in North Dakota
   2. www.yahoo.com — First T. rex trackway discovered in North Dakota by high school science teacher
   confidence 100%
10. 41d ago

    Colorado teacher discovers first adult T. rex trackway in North Dakota

    Kent Hups, a Colorado high school teacher and amateur fossil hunter, discovered the first known sequence of footprints left by an adult Tyrannosaurus rex near Marmarth, North Dakota. The 66.5-million-year-old trackway consists of four connected footprints showing a 13-foot stride. Data indicates the dinosaur moved at 3.5 to 4.5 miles per hour, a speed similar to a brisk human walk. This evidence suggests the predator frequently strolled rather than remaining in a constant run.

    Why it matters

    Previous knowledge of T. rex locomotion relied on skeletal analysis rather than direct footprints. This discovery provides the first concrete data on how a full-grown adult moved across the earth.

    What is confirmed

    • The first known sequence of footprints left by an adult T. rex was discovered near Marmarth, North Dakota.
    • The trackway dates back approximately 66.5 million years.
    • A high school teacher discovered the footprints.

    What to watch next

    • Peer-reviewed publication of the locomotion data
    • Further excavation of the Marmarth site for additional trackways
    Sources used for this update (3)

    1. www.foxnews.com — T rex footprints unearthed in first-ever discovery 66 million years after creature walked the Earth
    2. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Meet Kent Hups, the Colorado teacher who spotted three strange toes in North Dakota and helped uncover the first adult T. rex trackway
    3. www.yahoo.com — Scientists Discover First Known Adult T. Rex Trackway in North Dakota
    confidence 100%
11. 45d ago

    High school teacher discovers first adult T. rex trackway in North Dakota

    A high school teacher discovered the first known continuous trackway of an adult Tyrannosaurus rex in the North Dakota badlands. The 66.5-million-year-old sequence consists of four connected footprints that provide the first direct locomotion data for a full-grown T. rex. The dinosaur maintained a 13-foot stride and traveled at a speed of 3.5 to 4.5 miles per hour, which researchers compare to a brisk human walking pace. This discovery shifts the understanding of the predator from a constant runner to an animal that frequently strolled.

    Why it matters

    Most knowledge of T. rex anatomy and behavior comes from skeletal remains. Footprints provide a rare record of active movement and behavioral patterns in a natural environment. This specific trail was formed when the dinosaur marched through a swampy area.

    What is confirmed

    • The adult T. rex trackway in North Dakota consists of four connected footprints.
    • The dinosaur had a 13-foot stride.
    • The footprints date back roughly 66.5 million years.
    • The predator moved at a speed of 3.5 to 4.5 miles per hour.
    • Kent Hups, a high school teacher, discovered the trackway while volunteering on a dig.

    Still unconfirmed

    • More giant footprints remain buried at the site.
    • The trackway is the first ever confirmed adult T. rex trackway.

    What to watch next

    • Excavation of additional footprints suspected to be buried nearby.
    • Peer review of the locomotion data by independent paleontologists.
    Sources used for this update (7)

    1. gizmodo.com — Massive Footprints Found in North Dakota Reveal How T. Rex Walked
    2. www.yahoo.com — Captured Mid-Step: First Continuous Adult T. Rex Trackway Discovered in North Dakota
    3. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — T. rex wasn't always running: Scientists found 66 million years old the first-ever footprints of a fully grown T. rex, and they reveal how it really moved
    4. www.smithsonianmag.com — These Four Giant Dinosaur Footprints Discovered in North Dakota Might Represent the First Trackway Made by an Adult T. Rex Ever Found
    5. wsvn.com — First-ever adult Tyrannosaurus rex trackway discovered in North Dakota badlands
    6. www.foxnews.com — Teacher discovers first confirmed adult T. rex trackway
    7. www.foxnews.com — Scientists uncover T. rex's ancient path — and say more giant footprints remain buried
    confidence 90%
12. 47d ago

    First Adult T. Rex Trackway Discovered in North Dakota

    Paleontologists have uncovered the first-ever adult Tyrannosaurus rex trackway in the North Dakota badlands near Marmarth. Discovered in 2025, the 66.5-million-year-old sequence features four giant three-toed prints. The fossilized trail records a 13-foot stride and shows the massive predator was strolling at a speed of 3.5 to 4.5 miles per hour rather than running. Researchers state that while bones provide extensive anatomical details, these footprints capture a distinct moment of behavior and offer new insight into the movement patterns of the iconic dinosaur.

    Why it matters

    For decades, scientific understanding of Tyrannosaurus rex relied entirely on bones, teeth, and isolated footprints. This sequence provides concrete physical evidence of how the apex predator moved across North America. The discovery sheds light on dinosaur locomotion and behavior nearly 66.5 million years ago.

    What is confirmed

    • Four giant three-toed prints found in 2025 near Marmarth, North Dakota, are the first trackway ever attributed to an adult T. rex.
    • The 66.5-million-year-old sequence records a 13-foot stride.
    • The predator was strolling at 3.5 to 4.5 mph.
    • The footprint sequence shows the giant dinosaur walked rather than ran.

    Still unconfirmed

    • One single-source report mentions the discovery of continuous footprints of a running T-rex in North Dakota.

    What to watch next

    • Further scientific publications detailing the analysis of the Marmarth trackway
    • Additional field studies in the North Dakota badlands to search for related fossil evidence
    Sources used for this update (11)

    1. WLWT — First-ever adult Tyrannosaurus rex trackway discovered in North Dakota badlands
    2. theguardian.com — One giant step: first known adult T rex footprints found in North Dakota
    3. Space Daily — Four giant three-toed prints found in 2025 near Marmarth, North Dakota turned out to be the first trackway ever attributed to an adult T. rex, and the 66.5-million-year-old sequence records a 13-foot stride — the predator was strolling at 3.5 to 4.5 mph, about the
    4. Sci.News — Paleontologists Discover First-Ever Adult Tyrannosaurus rex Trackway
    5. Newser — T. Rex Footprints Are a Discovery
    6. National Geographic — How an Unlikely Fossil Hunter Found a Tyrannosaurus Trail
    7. Good News Network — Massive Footprints Reveal First Ever Adult T Rex Trackway, a 66-Million-Year-old Walk Through North Dakota
    8. news.ssbcrack.com — First-Ever Continuous Footprints of Running T-Rex Discovered in North Dakota
    9. madhyamamonline.com — First known adult T. rex trackway discovered in North Dakota
    10. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — 66.5 million years ago, a T. rex crossed North America; fossil footprints now show the giant dinosaur walked, not ran
    11. news.ssbcrack.com — Discovery of First Adult T. rex Trackway Provides Insight into Dinosaur Movement
    confidence 95%