Boverisuchus sp.

Boverisuchus sp., South TX

Lutetian, Eocene

Jan, 2024

Upon first glance, one could mistake this for a non-avian dinosaur tooth due to its serrations and compressed shape. You would be in good company as many early paleontologists made the same mistake. As it turns out, this terrestrial Eocene croc may have filled a similar niche to what was left behind when small theropods went extinct. To make this animal extra weird, it had hoof-like toes and appears well adapted for running down prey like dog-sized four-toed horses. Formerly known as Pristichampsus, the genus Boverisuchus was recently resurrected to encapsulate the running crocs found in North America.