Day of Discovery. This is what Nate first saw while prospecting.
We were working at another site and Nate came over to show us his find, what a day.
Scanning the Krex site. There were many elements eroding out. This picture shows a cervical vertebra.
Setting up a grid area. Once we knew this site had multiple elements, we started to establish a gridding system. It was fgured that the site would be of considerable size so we developed a quadrant system for excavation. This was due to the fact that elements had been erroded out and reburied. By establishing a quadrant system, it would make assembly easier back at the lab.
The quadrant system. Each square within the site is a 3x3 foot section.
Working around the humerus which was eroding out. A very rare element from a Trex. The furcula was right next to this bone, crazy!
Picture of the humerus and furcula. The furcula was in two pieces. Each element exposed in the main site is given a catalog number in the field.
Here you can see Nate screening a quadrant. Once we started the site, we realized that probably over 100 years ago, a majority of this specimen eroded out. So even though we were below the main site, as we dug down we started to find fragments. We had to go though each quadrant very carefully in order to collect every piece. At the deepest area, fragments and complete elements were re-burried under 6 feet of sediment.
Clayton and Nate digging well below the main site. Here, they each found major pieces of the left foot.
Removing overburden and re-deposited sediments from the site. We know where the layer is, but always a good idea to follow along with the skid steer just in case something unexpected is found.
Katie is working in the main layer around several dorsal ribs and vertebra.
Where Katie was working, the ribs and several cervical vertebra were outlined. Once mapped and cataloged, they can now be jacketed for safe removal.
One of the jacketed cervical vertebra back at the lab.
Individual elements being identified and cataloged in the lab. Even with small fragments, T rex is very unique and individual bones can be identified by just these pieces. This takes a lot of experience with this dinosaur.
Cleaning the fragments. Krex was unique in that most of the fragments could be cleaned with water and a tooth brush, they were very stable. All material from each quadrant is kept together and cleaned seperately. Here you can see from left to right ("Diane" Nates mom, Nate, "Lily" Katies mom, and Chris). A great family experience.
After cleaning, the fragments are layed out in the lab. Here, you can see the left foot of Krex being put back together.
Once all pieces are located to a specific element, they are assembled and photographed for the final catalog. All quadrant locations where each fragment was found is kept with the catalog and photographed.
Creating the final catalog of elements. Everything about each element is recorded in the final catalog.
Specimen Information
Krex is an associated Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and skull. It was discovered in the Hell Creek Formation of N.E. Montana in 2018 by Nathan Cooper.
Highlights
- Around a 30% complete specimen based on element representation. There is more work to do on this specimen which should increase the bone count.
- Both skull and skeleton elements are represented. Rare elements include the complete cervical series, furcula, humerus, and nearly complete left foot with claws.
- Though tan in color, the fossil is very stable.
- This will be an outstanding specimen to work into a complete replica for a exhibit.
- Because of its completeness, this specimen will rank among the best ever found in Montana.
Status:
This specimen has been acquired. It is no longer available.