2.1" Fossil Raptor (Anzu) Dorsal Vertebra - Montana

This is a rare and beautifully preserved dorsal vertebra from the recently (2014) described giant raptor Anzu wyliei. Dubbed by media as the "chicken from hell", this dinosaur grew up to 11 feet in length and sported a large prominent crest on its head. The name Anzu refers to a feathered demon in ancient Mesopotamian mythology.

The vertebra measures 2.1" tall and is in great condition! It was collected on August 30th, 2015 by Bryan Clark. The prezygapophyses remained intact along with the neural canal. The transverse and spinous processes have weathered away.



The creature's appearance – "big crests on their skulls, a beak, no teeth, and a very bird-like skeleton", and its discovery in the Hell Creek Formation led to it being jokingly nicknamed the "chicken from hell". Matthew Lamanna, who devised the species' name, originally wanted to use a Latin or Greek version of "chicken from hell". However, he found that the nickname did not work so well in those languages.