Weekly Dino Fact – Thunder Thighs Taking Over!

Don't mess with "Thunder Thighs!"

Hey gang, a new dino has been discovered that fought off attackers with its powerful thighs just like a modern day rooster! It’s name is Brontomerus mcintoshi (Brontomerusliterally meaning “thunder thighs” in greek) and it was a giant Sauropod at least 46 feet long. Thunder thighs had huge blades attached to its hipbones that it would have used to fend off attacks and protect their young by kicking and stomping potential predators like this poor guy here.

Thunder thighs was originally discovered in 1994 by Paleontologists in Utah, but it wasn’t until paleontologists started to take another look at the fossils in 2007 that it was determined that they could have a new species on their hands. When the Paleontologists were able to take a closer look they determined that this species had the largest leg muscles of any Sauropod ever found. Thunder thighs probably developed these powerful defense mechanisms because of the brutal terrain they existed in. Utah 110 million years ago, with Deinonychus and Utahraptor running around trying to eat thunder thighs’ babies, was a pretty tough place to make a living. You’ve heard the expression, “never stand behind a horse,” right? Well never, ever, EVER stand underneath a Brontomerus or you will literally get stomped on! What do you think about thunder thighs? Can you imagine a 46 foot long beast like this trying to stomp on you!?! I can’t. See you on the Island!