Local Paleontology center presents “Murder Monster” skull

(WOODLAND PARK, Colo.) — The skull of a rare new variety of Tyrannosaur, which was discovered by William Stein in the Judith River Formation in Montana in 2001, will be on display at the Triebold Paleontology and Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center (RMDRC) in Woodland Park on May 29, 2024.

The skull is from a genus of Tyrannosaur called Terataphoneus curriei, which comes from Greek for “Murder Monster.” The skull was excavated and curated by RMDRC Curator Antony Maltese and a field crew from RMDRC. The crew gave their find a friendlier name: “Sir William.”

A 3D printer was used to digitally assemble and “print” the completed skull. Maltese will help to unveil the skull reconstruction and educate the crowd with entertaining information about tyrannosaurs and why finding this particular genus in Montana was an unusual occurrence. He will also discuss injuries the paleontology team found on the animal’s face and arm.

“Triebold Paleontology turns 35 years old this year,” Maltese said. “The unveiling of Sir William is important and is a significant contribution to the study of our past and the prehistoric world. Exhibit visitors will be amazed when they see the incredible diversity of Tyrannosaurs and the mysteries of our planet’s ancient past.”

Terataphoneus will be presented to the public on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Triebold Paleontology and Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, 201 S. Fairview Street in Woodland Park, CO.

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