Velociraptor

Basic Information

Velociraptor belonged to a family of dinosaurs called “dromaeosaurids,” which means “running lizards” — they were some of the smartest dinosaurs that ever lived!

Velociraptors lived during the Late Cretaceous period, about 75 to 71 million years ago — that’s over 70 million years before the first humans appeared!

Real Velociraptors were much smaller than the ones in movies — they were only about 6 feet (1.8 meters) long from nose to tail, about the size of a big turkey!

Scientists have found most Velociraptor fossils in what is now Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, telling us they lived in a warm, sandy environment!

A full-grown Velociraptor weighed between 30–33 pounds (13.5-15 kg), about the same as a medium-sized dog!

Velociraptors could run at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (40 kilometers per hour) — as fast as a bicycle riding downhill!

Velociraptor was closely related to modern birds, sharing many features like hollow bones and feathers!

The name Velociraptor means “swift thief” in Latin — a perfect name for this quick and clever dinosaur!

The first Velociraptor fossil was discovered in 1923 by Peter Kaisen in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert!

Physical Features

Velociraptors were covered in feathers, making them look more like giant birds than scaly lizards!

A Velociraptor’s skull was about 9 inches (23 centimeters) long — about the length of a ruler!

Each Velociraptor foot had a special curved claw that could grow up to 2.6 inches (6.5 centimeters) long — as big as a grown-up’s thumb!

Velociraptors had about 52 to 56 sharp teeth in their mouth, each one curved like a tiny banana to help hold onto prey!

Velociraptors had arms that were about 2 feet (60 centimeters) long and had three fingers with sharp claws, perfect for grabbing!

Velociraptors had large eyes on the sides of their head, giving them excellent vision to spot both prey and danger!

Velociraptors’ tail made up almost half their body length and was stiff like a ruler, helping them balance while running and turning!

Fun and Unique Facts

Velociraptors had a special wrist joint that let them fold their arms against their body, just like birds do with their wings!

Velociraptors used their famous curved claws more like hooks to hold onto prey rather than slashing like in movies!

Scientists found a Velociraptor fossil locked in combat with a Protoceratops, showing us exactly how they fought!

Velociraptors’ long, stiff tail helped them make quick turns while chasing prey, like a rudder on a boat!

Velociraptors had binocular vision like eagles, helping them judge distances perfectly while hunting!

Velociraptors’ feet could grip the ground like modern birds of prey, helping them stay balanced while attacking!

Velociraptors lived in what was then a desert environment with sand dunes and occasional oases!

Velociraptors’ homeland had seasonal streams and lakes, providing water in the otherwise dry environment!

Velociraptors shared their habitat with other dinosaurs like Protoceratops, Oviraptor, and Pinacosaurus!

The climate where Velociraptors lived was much warmer than today’s Mongolia, with mild winters!

Velociraptors lived alongside ancient mammals, lizards, and early birds!

Scientists have found Velociraptor fossils with quill knobs on their arm bones, proving they had feathers!

A famous fossil nicknamed “Fighting Dinosaurs” shows a Velociraptor and Protoceratops that died while fighting!

Most Velociraptor fossils have been found in Mongolia’s Djadochta Formation!

Most Velociraptor fossils have been found in Mongolia’s Djadochta Formation!

Scientists use CT scans of Velociraptor skulls to study their brain shape and size!

A Velociraptor’s brain was about the size of a modern pigeon’s — but they were still very smart!

Velociraptors were warm-blooded, keeping their body temperature steady like modern birds!

Velociraptor eggs were about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) long, similar in size to a potato.

Velociraptors were actually more closely related to modern chickens than to lizards!