Did You Know Montana Has An Official State Fossil?

We don't remember learning about this in school.

Montana's Official State Symbols

Montana has several official state symbols.

These symbols range from mottos to birds to mammals.

Most of these things we learn in school in Montana. Most of them make sense for the Big Sky Country.

Our state tree is the Ponderosa Pine, the mammal is the grizzly bear, the gemstone is a sapphire, and there are more state symbols.

These symbols are points of pride for Montana. These things are what Montana is known for, and we love that about our state.

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Well, we learned something new today.

Did you know Montana has an official state fossil?

You might think it's a velociraptor or a Tyrannosaurus Rex, but you would be wrong.

Montana's Official State Fossil

Montana is home to all kinds of dinosaur fossils.

The Museum of the Rockies houses the most dinosaur fossils in America. They have fossils of triceratops, velociraptors, and many more.

If you grew up as a kid who loved dinosaurs, this museum is a dream.

How would you like to know that Montana has an official state fossil?

It makes sense that Montana has an official state fossil with all the dinosaur bones found over the years.

Which dinosaur did Montana choose? It will surprise you.

The official state fossil of Montana is the Maiasaura.

What dinosaur is that? Good question.

This duck-billed dinosaur weighed over four tons and was 30 feet long. This creature existed over 70 million years ago.

Why is this Montana's official fossil?

No one knew this dinosaur existed until 1978 when its fossils were discovered near Choteau, Montana.

Jack Horner discovered the fossils. If that name seems familiar, it should.

He is the director of the Museum of the Rockies and the dinosaur supervisor on all the Jurassic Park films.

This is a cool piece of Montana history that everyone should learn.