Page 8 - Winter 2012 magazine-1

Finally, we have proof of a unique Red Rock by Pat Williams

Canyon user group!

e
d Red Rock Canyon,
After hearing of the evidence that dinosaurs roamed Red Rock Canyon,
W
hat did they eat?
my first thoughts were: What did they look like? What did they eat?
at, exact
tant, w
h
,
What was their environment like? But most important, what, exactly, was a was a
y
r
l
n
and wisely
, chosen
grallator? The Bureau of Land Management has, understandably and wisely, chosen
derstandab
ly
racks confidential - a sound decision
t
to keep the location and specifics of the dinosaur tracks confidential - a sound decision. .
ntereste
d
i
d

n a
ll
i
Enquiring minds want to know and, as our readers are curious and interested in all

ous an
i
are cur
e
w
things Red Rock, I thought you’d like to know as well. .
ll
[1]
Grallator , meaning “stilt walker”, is a scientific term used to define the common type of term used to define the common type of s ma ll,
small,
three-toed footprints made by a variety of two-legged carnivorous dinosaurs. These prints, dating from the
late Triassic period through the early Cretaceous period, have been found in the United States, Canada,
Europe, Australia and China. The weather was vastly different during this period, with cool, dry winters and
warm, rainy summers resembling the monsoon patterns that characterize modern-day Southeast Asia. Gralla-
tor trackways, or ancient paths of travel for humans or animals, are generally three-toed and range in length
from 2 to 6 inches. While it is generally impossible to match the tracks to a specific species, scientists can
sometimes narrow down the trackways’ creators by comparing the stride characteristics to identified species.
Vote for your favorite ceolophysis at dino@friendsofredrockcanyon.org
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