Fossil Discovery Reveals Giant Crocodiles Roamed Ancient Wetlands

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:58:00 +0200

A remarkable fossil discovery in the United States has unearthed the remains of a giant crocodile, *Deinosuchus bowenensis*, that once dominated ancient wetland environments. This apex predator, estimated to have reached lengths of over 30 feet, lived approximately 73 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period. The fossil findings, including skull and jawbone fragments, provide crucial insights into the size and behavior of these formidable creatures. *Deinosuchus* was a top predator in its ecosystem, preying on dinosaurs, turtles, and other large animals inhabiting the southeastern United States. Researchers believe this massive crocodile likely possessed a powerful bite force, potentially the strongest of any known animal. The new research suggests that these creatures were more widely distributed than previously thought, implying their influence on the ecosystem was more widespread. The discovery offers a fascinating glimpse into a prehistoric world teeming with giant repti