In a thrilling expedition through the prehistoric landscapes of Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park, fossil hunters have stumbled upon an extraordinary find – the remarkably intact fossilized skeleton of a baby dinosaur.

Renowned paleobiologist Philip Currie, hailing from the University of Alberta, made the astonishing discovery. The fossil belongs to the species known as Chasmosaurus belli, a horned and frill-headed dinosaur closely related to the iconic Triceratops. Roaming the southeastern region of Alberta approximately 70 million years ago, this miniature marvel was spotted by Currie when the creature’s distinct frill tantalizingly peeked out from a hillside in the park. The significance of their find became evident as Currie and his team meticulously unearthed the fossil.

While numerous C. belli fossils have been unearthed in the area over the years, this particular discovery stands out as the most complete specimen of its kind, missing only its forelimbs, which slipped into a small sinkhole beneath the remains at some point. Remarkably preserved, the rest of the skeleton showcases intricate details, even revealing the dinosaur’s skin pattern imprinted on the rock beneath.

The revelation of an intact juvenile dinosaur skeleton holds immense value for researchers, providing a crucial reference point for studying the bones of larger, older specimens within the species. Though some species undergo significant changes as they mature, this fossil unveiled an intriguing revelation. The head frills of C. belli transformed as they grew, while the proportions of their bodies remained relatively unchanged. As Currie shared with LiveScience, this suggests that these dinosaurs likely never moved at great speeds, as there was no imperative for them to keep pace with the adults.

Fully grown specimens of C. belli can reach lengths of up to 5 meters and weigh around 2 tons. Based on the fossil’s size, it is estimated that this particular dinosaur was merely a toddler, approximately three years old at the time of its demise. Impressively, no signs of bite wounds or injuries from scavengers were found. Encased in sediment layers akin to those found at the riverbed, the researchers speculate that this dinosaur may have met its fate by succumbing to the currents, eventually drowning and becoming covered in sediments until its recent unearthing.

This extraordinary find offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient world, shedding light on the life and development of these magnificent creatures that once roamed the Alberta plains. With every fossil, a new chapter in the grand narrative of Earth’s history unfolds, inviting us to marvel at the wonders of our planet’s distant past.