Dromaeosaur Theropod Dinosaur Hand Claw

Description: This is a fine example of a manual ungual (forefoot claw) from a dromaeosaurid dinosaur coming from the Lower Cretaceous Albian Stage deposits of the Kem-Kem Basin, Morocco. Claws are far less commonly found than teeth; indeed, while I have seen literally hundreds of teeth of this type of dinosaur offered, only a literal handful of claws are available. In life, the claw would have been covered in a horny sheath which would have made it at least a third larger. While the popularity of Jurassic Park leads some to use the term “raptor” for this taxon, the term has no taxonomic value. This one has experienced some wear along what is termed the “blood groove”, but makes an excellent starter example for the budding paleontologist in the family (see my other postings for more complete examples). This one comes in a Riker-type box ready for display.