Velociraptor

Velociraptor was a small but fierce predator. Its name means "swift thief." It lived about 75 million years ago in what is now Mongolia. Despite what movies show, real Velociraptors were only about the size of a turkey!

Small but Deadly

Velociraptor was only about 6 feet long and 2 feet tall. It weighed about 33 pounds, which is about as heavy as a medium-sized dog. Its most dangerous weapon was a curved claw on each foot. This claw was about 3 inches long and razor-sharp.

Feathered and Smart

Scientists have found proof that Velociraptor had feathers. It could not fly, but feathers may have kept it warm. Velociraptor had a large brain for its body size. This means it was probably one of the smartest dinosaurs. It may have hunted in pairs or small groups.

Fun Facts

• One famous fossil shows a Velociraptor locked in battle with a Protoceratops.
• Velociraptor could run about 25 miles per hour in short bursts.
• The dinosaurs called Velociraptors in the Jurassic Park movies are actually based on a bigger relative called Deinonychus.

Did You Know?

Velociraptor's killing claw was held up off the ground when it walked so it would stay sharp. It could flick this claw down like a switchblade when attacking!