This is an authentic juvenile Edmontosaurus caudal vertebra from the Hell Creek Formation of Montana, dating to the Late Cretaceous approximately 68–66 million years ago. Edmontosaurus was one of the largest and most abundant hadrosaurs of its time — a massive duck-billed herbivore that roamed the coastal plains and river systems of Late Cretaceous North America in vast herds.

This specimen measures 1.27 inches and represents a juvenile individual, evidenced by its small size compared to adult caudal vertebrae from the same species. Juvenile dinosaur material is notably less common in the fossil record than adult specimens — smaller, less ossified bones were more susceptible to destruction by scavengers and environmental processes before fossilization could occur. This vertebra has received no repairs or restoration, preserving its complete fossil integrity.

Caudal vertebrae formed the tail of hadrosaurs, which was held aloft by a network of ossified tendons that kept the tail rigid — a distinctive anatomical feature of the hadrosaur family. Edmontosaurus shared its Hell Creek ecosystem with Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, and Ankylosaurus, representing one of the last great dinosaur communities before the K-Pg mass extinction event.

Specimen Highlights:

• Type: Authentic juvenile Edmontosaurus caudal vertebra
• Dimensions: 1.27 inches
• Condition: No repairs or restoration
• Provenance: Hell Creek Formation, Late Cretaceous (~68–66 million years ago), Montana
• Source: Acquired from a trusted paleontologist
• Authenticity Guarantee: 100% genuine dinosaur fossil

Feel free to reach out with any questions about this specimen or for additional photos. Ships securely packaged with care. Thank you for supporting ethical fossil collecting!