Modern crocodiles – with their bone-crushing jaws, armored scales, and infamous “death rolls” – are already formidable predators we all recognize. While today’s 3-meter-long crocodiles hunting zebras and antelopes in documentaries seem impressive, they pale in comparison to their ancient ancestors.
Enter Deinosuchus – the “terrible crocodile.” This prehistoric behemoth didn’t just hunt animals; it preyed on dinosaurs. Lurking in Late Cretaceous North America’s rivers and swamps some 80 million years ago, this apex predator ambushed hadrosaurs and theropods that ventured too close to the water’s edge.
First discovered in 1858, Deinosuchus was among the largest crocodyliforms to ever exist. Estimates suggest lengths exceeding 10 meters – longer than a school bus. Unlike modern crocodiles, Deinosuchus possessed:
- An exceptionally powerful bite force
- Reinforced skull bones
- Specialized conical teeth for gripping and crushing large prey
- Thick, armored osteoderms for protection
While I first encountered this creature in childhood documentaries, recent paleontological research continues to reveal fascinating details about its biology and ecological role – proving Deinosuchus deserves recognition not just as a “scary croc,” but as one of the most awe-inspiring predators ever to roam the Earth.
The Discovery and Identification of Deinosuchus
Although they were first discovered in 1858, Deinosuchus specimens could not be clearly identified until 1909. Because the fossils of Deinosuchus were found in fragmentary condition, their reconstruction proved to be arduous, which delayed the identification process. The events unfolded as follows:
During geological exploration efforts jointly conducted in the summer of 1903 under the auspices of the United States Geological Survey by Mr. T.W. Stanton and Mr. J.B. Hatcher, a significant discovery was made. Mr. Hatcher discovered scattered fossil remains on the surface near Willow Creek, located three miles west of the Nolan and Archer ranch in Fergus County, Montana. The first finds consisted of a few dermal armor plates collected from the surface. These samples were sent to the Carnegie Museum. Mr. Hatcher later dispatched Mr. W.H. Utterback to conduct a more detailed investigation of the area.
Upon his arrival, Mr. Utterback managed to recover only two vertebrae, a cervical rib, a complete dorsal rib, fragments of other dorsal ribs, a pubic bone (os pubis), a number of scutes (armor plates), most of which were quite well preserved, and various bone fragments. Among these were hundreds of pieces likely belonging to the skull, vertebrae, and ribs. However, all these fragments were so severely broken, and some so eroded by water, that determining their original positions with certainty was impossible. Examination of the vertebrae and ribs, as the author also informed Mr. Hatcher, conclusively demonstrated that the creature was an enormous crocodilian. Mr. Hatcher eventually lost interest in the matter and abandoned the investigation as other concerns intervened.
Characteristics of Deinosuchus
Deinosuchus was a carnivorous organism. It preyed upon reptiles, fish, and various dinosaurs. The composition of its diet was inferred through analysis of its teeth and jaw structure. This anatomical configuration resembled that of modern crocodilians and was capable of crushing bones. When its teeth were combined with its tremendous bite force, the result was a creature capable of consuming even armored and resilient animals.
Source:Wikimedia Commons
At the time, the dominant species, as is well known, were dinosaurs—and we also know that Deinosuchus preyed upon them. But how did it manage to do so? How was it able to consume such magnificent creatures? According to scientists, Deinosuchus employed ambush tactics. It would suddenly lunge at dinosaurs that approached rivers to drink water, dragging them into the water with its powerful jaws. Some even speculate that it performed the infamous “death roll.” Based on fossil evidence attributed to Deinosuchus, it is also believed to have preyed on turtles. For many predators, breaking the hard shell of a turtle would have been impossible.
Even the T. rex Feared Deinosuchus
The dangerous nature of these animals was revealed through the fossil remains of Albertosaurus and Appalachiosaurus. These fossils exhibited bite marks consistent with the teeth of Deinosuchus, along with signs of healing. This indicates that Deinosuchus had engaged in combat with Tyrannosaurus rex, the apex predator of Late Cretaceous North America.
Comparison with the Others
At the time of its initial discovery, Deinosuchus was thought to represent a single species and was provisionally named D. hatcheri. However, subsequent findings revealed that it constituted a genus, comprising three distinct species: Deinosuchus hatcheri, Deinosuchus rugosus, and Deinosuchus riograndensis.
Note: These comparisons are controversial and always check out the new findings. Source: Wikimedia Commons
According to osteoderm evidence, Deinosuchus had a lifespan of up to fifty years, with continuous growth during the first thirty-five years. It could reach lengths of up to 12 meters and weigh as much as 7 tons.
Another crocodilian, Sarcosuchus imperator—also known as the “supercroc”—lived in Africa during the Early Cretaceous period. As the apex predator of its region, it hunted dinosaurs within its range and dominated the ecosystem. Like Deinosuchus, its length could reach 12 meters. However, it possessed a greater estimated bite force, reaching up to 9 tons. Its jaw structure was notably different from that of Deinosuchus: the upper jaw was longer than the lower jaw. It is thought to have been the primary rival of Spinosaurus.
Note: According to a recent study, Deinosuchus is no longer believed to be closely related to modern alligators. Furthermore, it is more accurate to refer to both Deinosuchus and Sarcosuchus as “pholidosaur” rather than true crocodiles. Each new discovery continues to reshape our understanding of these ancient reptiles and sheds further light on their biology and evolution.
References:
- Cossette, A. P., & Brochu, C. A. (2020). A systematic review of the giant alligatoroidDeinosuchusfrom the Campanian of North America and its implications for the relationships at the root of Crocodylia. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 40(1), e1767638. https://doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2020.1767638
- (Deinosuchus Hatcheri, a New Genus and Species of Crocodile From the Judith Riv : Holland, W. J. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive, 1909)
- Sarcosuchus | Paul Sereno – Paleontologist | The University of Chicago. (n.d.). https://paulsereno.uchicago.edu/exhibits_casts/african_crocs/sarcosuchus/
- Yazar, P. T. (n.d.). Sarcosuchus imperator (Süper-Timsah) – Evrim Ağacı. Evrim Ağacı. https://evrimagaci.org/sarcosuchus-imperator-supertimsah-4142?srsltid=AfmBOorhzGfkwcJvyhhMOvDtuL4TQuQryx0dWQsqNreQPLe7R9nTKqyC
