INITIAL STAGE RESULTS OF A STUDY CONCERNING AN ALLIGATORID FROM THE LATE CRETACEOUS OF MONTANA

This research concerns a partially complete, disarticulated specimen of a Late Cretaceous alligatorid [cf. Brachychampsa]. It was excavated from the Hell Creek Formation [Late Maastrichtian] of Montana. The specimen itself is relatively complete comprising of both cranial and post-cranial elements. This is the first stage of a two part reconstruction process and focuses on the details of the skull. In order to confirm the taxonomic affiliation of this specimen, we have compared morphologically significant characteristics of the preserved bones to those of other previously described North American alligatorids. And for completeness, we have not restricted ourselves to taxa of the Late Cretaceous but have also considered genera from the Paleocene. Of principle importance to this study has been the determination of the animal's ontogenetic stage of maturity; as inferred from a number of key morphological features.

All material is housed in the Burpee Museum of Natural History in Rockford, Illinois. The intention is for this material to be incorporated into a realistic reconstruction of this specimen and shall be used for public education purposes.