Family Adventure Leads to Rare T. Rex Discovery in North Dakota Badlands
Luca O'Connor
June 11, 2024
A Vacation to Remember
In a heartwarming tale of adventure and discovery, the Fisher family's summer hike in the North Dakota Badlands turned into an unforgettable experience. What began as a simple outing for brothers Jessin and Liam, their father Sam, and their cousin Kaiden, led to the astonishing discovery of a rare juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex fossil. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey from stumbling upon ancient bones to uncovering one of the most significant paleontological finds in recent history.
In July 2022, the Fisher family set out on a hiking adventure in the North Dakota Badlands. What started as a simple family outing for brothers Jessin and Liam Fisher, their father Sam, and their cousin Kaiden Madsen, soon turned into an extraordinary discovery that would captivate the world. The breathtaking landscape, known for its rich deposits of fossils, set the stage for an unexpected find that would go down in history.
The Unexpected Find
While exploring a stretch of land managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the children came across a peculiar bone sticking out of the rock. Seven-year-old Liam and his older brother Jessin, along with their nine-year-old cousin Kaiden, were intrigued by the bone's unusual appearance. Unsure of its significance but excited by the possibility, they immediately called their father over to take a closer look.
Calling in the Expert
Sam Fisher, realizing the potential importance of the find, reached out to his high school friend, paleontologist Tyler Lyson. Lyson, the curator of paleontology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, recognized the discovery's potential and quickly arranged for an excavation permit. This crucial step allowed them to properly investigate the site and uncover the fossil without disturbing the surrounding area.
The Excavation Begins
In 2023, Lyson, his crew, and the young fossil hunters returned to the site to begin the excavation. As they carefully unearthed the bones, it became clear that they had discovered a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex, which they affectionately named the "Teen Rex." This find was especially significant as it is one of only four juvenile T. rex fossils ever found, making it a rare and invaluable contribution to paleontology.
A Moment of Euphoria
As the team uncovered more of the fossil, they reached the teeth—one of the most diagnostic parts of a dinosaur fossil. At that moment, Lyson knew they had found something extraordinary. He said:
When we told everyone, the euphoria was amazing. It's not every day that you find such an amazing dinosaur.
The Importance of the Find
Juvenile T. rex fossils are incredibly rare. This specimen, estimated to be between 12 and 14 years old, provides unique insights into the development and growth of these formidable predators. Weighing about half as much as some of the most famous adult T. rex specimens, this "Teen Rex" offers a rare glimpse into the life of a young T. rex, helping scientists understand more about their behavior and biology.
Inspiring Future Generations
Jessin Fisher, who dreams of becoming a paleontologist, was particularly inspired by the discovery. He hopes to follow in the footsteps of Tyler Lyson and other paleontologists who uncover the secrets of the past. Lyson is enthusiastic about encouraging young fossil hunters like Jessin, seeing this discovery as a stepping stone for the next generation of paleontologists.
From Badlands to Museum
The "Teen Rex" fossil will be showcased at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science in a special exhibit called "Discovering Teen Rex," starting June 21. This temporary exhibit will not only display the fossil but also share the fascinating story of its discovery through a documentary shown at the museum's Infinity Theater. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the Fisher family's adventure and the significance of their find.
Marmarth: The Dinosaur Capital
Marmarth, North Dakota, where the discovery was made, is known for its rich deposits of dinosaur fossils. This small town, with a population of just 101, has earned the nickname "the dinosaur capital of North Dakota" due to its numerous significant fossil finds. The discovery of the "Teen Rex" adds another remarkable chapter to Marmarth's storied paleontological history.
Tyler lyson
