Velociraptor is one of the most famous dinosaurs, often depicted as a fast and fierce predator in movies like Jurassic Park. While Hollywood has made it seem larger and scarier than it was, the real velociraptor was still an impressive and fascinating dinosaur! Let’s explore the top 10 facts about velociraptor that will make you see this speedy predator in a whole new way!

1. A velociraptor was only the size of a turkey.

Unlike the giant raptors we see in movies, real velociraptors were much smaller.

They were only about 2 metres (6.5 feet) long, including the tail, and stood around half a metre (1.6 feet) tall at the hip – about the size of a modern-day turkey!

Even though it was small, velociraptor was still a fearsome predator.

2. It had sharp claws for hunting.

Velociraptor’s most distinctive feature was the large, sickle-shaped claw on each of its hind feet.

This claw was about 6.5 cm (2.5 inches) long and curved, perfect for slashing and grabbing prey.

Scientists believe velociraptor used its claws to pin down or immobilise its prey before using its teeth to finish the job.

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3. It had feathers!

One of the coolest discoveries about velociraptor is that it likely had feathers.

Fossil evidence shows that velociraptors had quill knobs on their bones, just like birds do today.

Although velociraptors couldn’t fly, their feathers might have helped with balance, insulation, or attracting mates.

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4. The velociraptor had a bird-like body.

In addition to feathers, velociraptor’s body was very bird-like.

Its light, hollow bones made it fast and agile, and its long arms were similar to the wings of modern birds.

These bird-like features show how closely related velociraptors and other dinosaurs are to today’s birds.

5. It was a fast runner.

Velociraptors were built for speed.

Their long legs and lightweight bodies allowed them to run at speeds of up to 40 km/h (25 mph).

This speed, combined with their agility, made them excellent hunters, able to chase down prey or escape from larger predators.

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6. Velociraptors had excellent vision and intelligence.

With large, forward-facing eyes, velociraptors likely had excellent binocular vision, which helped them judge distance and focus on their prey.

They also had relatively large brains for their size, making them smarter than many other dinosaurs.

This intelligence might have allowed them to use complex hunting strategies.

7. It lived in desert environments.

Velociraptors lived about 75 to 71 million years ago during the late Cretaceous period.

Fossils of velociraptors have been found in what is now Mongolia, an area that was once a dry, desert-like environment.

These fast and agile predators were well-adapted to living in such harsh conditions.

8. Velociraptors probably hunted in packs.

While there’s still some debate, many scientists believe velociraptors hunted in packs, working together to take down larger prey.

Fossils of other dinosaurs show marks from velociraptor claws and teeth, suggesting that they may have hunted larger animals by overwhelming them with numbers.

9. Its name means ‘swift thief’.

The name velociraptor comes from the Latin words ‘velox’ meaning ‘swift’ and ‘raptor’ meaning ‘thief’ or ‘seizer’.

This name perfectly describes velociraptor’s quick, agile hunting style and its ability to snatch up prey before it could escape.

10. It wasn’t as big as the velociraptors in Jurassic Park.

In the Jurassic Park movies, velociraptors are shown as much larger and scarier than they were in real life.

The movie versions were more like another dinosaur called deinonychus.

While the real velociraptor was smaller, it was still a fierce predator that used speed, intelligence, and agility to hunt its prey.

Velociraptor was an incredible dinosaur, combining speed, sharp claws, and intelligence to become one of the most efficient predators of its time. Whether it was using its feathers to balance or its pack-hunting skills to catch prey, velociraptor’s fascinating abilities make it a standout in the world of dinosaurs! Even if it wasn’t quite like the Jurassic Park version, the real velociraptor is still one amazing dinosaur worth knowing.