# Tyrannosaurus rex footprint discovery in North Dakota

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tyrannosaurus-rex-footprint-discovery-in-north-dakota
> Updated: 2026-09-26T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 4.

Researchers from the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Liverpool John Moores University have identified a sequence of four fossilized footprints in North Dakota’s Hell Creek Formation. Believed to be the first known trackway of an adult Tyrannosaurus rex, the sequence consists of two left and two right prints spanning approximately seven meters.

The tracks were initially spotted in July 2025 by Kent Hups, a high school science teacher and amateur fossil hunter, while walking through a ravine. A research team confirmed the find through 3D scanning and analysis. Each footprint measures between 91 and 100 centimeters in length with a stride distance of about four meters.

Analysis of the tracks, which date back roughly 66.5 million years, indicates the dinosaur was walking at a speed between 5.6 and 7.2 kilometers per hour (approximately 1.5 to 2 meters per second), a pace comparable to a brisk human walk. While the size and toe shape make the identification of a T. rex highly probable, researchers noted that fossil wear prevents an absolutely definitive anatomical identification.

A study published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology detailed the findings, noting that unlike skeletal remains, these footprints provide a direct record of live movement and walking strides in what was once a swampy coastal floodplain. Researchers, including Tyler Lyson, noted that while individual adult T. rex prints are extremely rare, this trackway allows for the study of stride length and foot placement. Lead author Dr. Peter Falkingham added that age significantly influences walking mechanics, noting that younger and older dinosaurs moved differently, much like humans.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: T. rex trackway discovery reveals adult dinosaur walking patterns

The discovery of an adult T. rex trackway in North Dakota reveals the dinosaur likely walked at a relaxed pace similar to a brisk human stride.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/t-rex-trackway-discovery-reveals-adult-dinosaur-walking-patterns

### 2026-09-23: North Dakota discovery reveals first adult T. rex trackway

A science teacher discovered the first known adult T. rex trackway in North Dakota, revealing the dinosaur moved at a pace similar to a brisk human walk.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/t-rex-footprints-discovered-in-north-dakota

### 2026-09-19: North Dakota discovery reveals first continuous adult T. rex footprints

Researchers have discovered the first continuous trail of adult T. rex footprints in North Dakota, revealing the walking speed and movement of the apex predator 66.5 million years ago.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tyrannosaurus-rex-adult-footprints-discovered-in-north-dakota-1

### 2026-09-16: T. rex footprints discovered in North Dakota reveal walking patterns

Scientists have discovered a 66.5-million-year-old sequence of four giant footprints in North Dakota, likely the first known trackway of an adult Tyrannosaurus rex.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/t-rex-footprints-discovered-in-north-dakota-reveal-walking-patterns

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Cite as: Tyrannosaurus rex footprint discovery in North Dakota. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tyrannosaurus-rex-footprint-discovery-in-north-dakota