DROMAEOSAUR " RAPTOR " KILLING CLAW -  Tegana Formation - Kem Kem, Morocco

LATE CRETACEOUS PERIOD:  96 - 66 million years ago

Without a doubt, a raptor claw is the most sought-after fossil amongst all dinosaur fossil collectors regardless of how advanced they are.  Not only is this just any raptor claw but it is THE killing claw of the foot, the rarest of all!  A raptor killing claw is the "holy grail" of fossils and years can go by before one ever becomes available on the market.  This claw is one of only two we have been fortunate to collect in the last 2.5 years.

This killing claw exhibits a wonderful dark red patina caused by the typical soils and minerals of the Kem Kem.  There is only minor restoration done to the .25" on the tip and this represents less than 5% overall reconstruction and is only limited to this area.  The end where it was attached to the foot was fragile and open so it has been filled to stabilize and protect such a rare specimen from any future damage.  Only small portion of this posterior end needed repair and all parts were present.  There were no fractures to any part of the body of this claw.  This top-grade example was not pieced together from fragments and filled where parts were missing.  It represents one of the finest raptor claws we have seen and is one of only three of this quality we have ever offered!  The 'blood groove" is distinct running down both sides of the claw and retains excellent preservation.  

Most dinosaur claws of any species command the highest prices and are the most demanded dinosaur fossils.  The majority are mostly pieced back together from fragments and require CONSIDERABLE restoration.  Raptor claws are unquestionably, the most asked for fossil claw.  In examining this superb example, one can immediately recognize its value and rarity!

The "killing claw" of raptors was a terrifying and incredibly efficient weapon.  As they moved, it was held off the ground.  When the muscles of the toe were contracted, the claw swept down quickly, providing for a powerful slash that may have been able to disembowel prey swiftly.  The stiffened tail would have been good to stabilize the body while the grasping arms and jaws held onto the prey for balance.  Although there is no conclusive evidence for this, it has been suggested that raptors could have performed leaps onto large prey and used all four limbs to rip wounds in them.  Raptors were ferocious predators that some scientists believe hunted in packs and attacked much larger dinosaurs by slashing their underbellies.  It is also believed that they were similar to lions in predatory behavior, preferring ambushes and quick chases using their high maneuverability along with strategic pack-hunting tactics.  A human could be torn to shreds by a pack of raptors in less than 30 seconds.  

This specimen is a must for anyone that has ever wanted one of these prizes of prehistoric predators.  The source where this was found is now almost completely devoid of quality teeth.  Claws were always rare even 10 years ago.  At the source, a fossil claw like this is now unheard of and an entire year of many diggers' efforts usually does not yield a single specimen.  

RAREST AND MOST PROMISING INVESTMENT FOSSIL - LAST ONE OF TWO WE HAD!

1.75" long

SOLD     DC6     INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX     Actual Item - One Only

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