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Dinosaurs: Velociraptor (Swift Robber)
Last updated: 7th May 2025 Velociraptor was a small, swift, and agile dinosaur that thrived in central and eastern Asia during the Late Cretaceous Period, around 75 to 70 million years ago. Known for its distinctive sickle-shaped claw on each foot and a long, stiff tail, it was a formidable predator despite its relatively small size. Velociraptor was quite fast for its size. It could run at speeds of over 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour), making it a quick and agile hunter. Its long, muscular legs and stiff tail helped it maneuver swiftly while chasing prey. Velociraptor was a carnivore, primarily preying on small mammals and reptiles. It had narrow jaws with backward-curved teeth that were perfect for gripping and preventing prey from escaping. Occasionally, it might have hunted small, infant dinosaurs or scavenged larger carcasses. Velociraptor was a small meat-eating dinosaur that lived during the late Cretaceous period. It was a swift, two-legged dinosaur that had three-fingered clawed hands and four-toed clawed feet.
Like other Dromaeosaurids this meat-eater was armed with fearsome rows of sharp teeth, however its main weapon was a long sickle-like retractable claw on the second toe of each foot controlled by a strong tendon. This claw would have been raised whilst on the move. However, when this fearsome predator was ready to attack its prey, the strong tendon would snap tight and the claw would snap down with great power and force, slicing deeply into the victim.
Generative AI Notification: Some elements of this image have been created or enhanced using AI technology. To find out how we create all our dinosaurs, click here.What is Velociraptor?
How fast was Velociraptor?
What did Velociraptor eat?
Velociraptor appearance
A reconstruction of a feathered Velociraptor
Pronounced: vel-OS-ih-RAP-tor Name Means: "Swift Robber" Contrary to popular portrayals in movies like Jurassic Park, there is no scientific evidence to support that Velociraptor tapped its claws to locate prey. The sickle-shaped claw was held off the ground to keep it sharp, not used for tapping. The Jurassic Park Velociraptor is largely inaccurate compared to the real animal. In the films, it’s depicted as a human-sized, scaly, hyper-intelligent predator, but in reality, Velociraptors were much smaller—about the size of a turkey—and covered in feathers. They couldn’t turn their hands palm-down like in the movies, likely didn’t hunt in coordinated packs, and had a more bird-like posture. The movie raptors more closely resemble larger dromaeosaurs like Deinonychus or Utahraptor, with changes made for dramatic effect rather than scientific accuracy. Jurassic Park / Jurassic World Velociraptor Velociraptor size image courtesy of science-resources.co.uk Left: Jurassic Park Velociraptor compared to an average-sized adult human Right: Actual Velociraptor size compared to an average-sized adult human Fossils of Velociraptor have been found in Mongolia, which was part of central and eastern Asia during the Late Cretaceous period. This region was likely a semi-arid environment with sand dunes and occasional oases. Yes, it is likely that Velociraptor had feathers! Fossil evidence, including quill knobs on its arms, indicates that it had long feathers attached to its arms and covered its body. These feathers might have been used for display, warmth, or covering nests while brooding. There is very little evidence to suggest that Velociraptor hunted in packs. While some fossils show multiple individuals together, it is more likely that they were scavenging or simply ended up buried together. More research is needed to determine their social behaviour.
Velociraptor Facts
Length: 1.5–2.07 m (4.9–6.8 feet)
Height: 0.5 m (1.6 feet) at the hips
Weight: 14.1–19.7 kilograms
Diet: Carnivore (Meat)
Time: Late Cretaceous
Fossils Found: Asia (Mongolia and China)Did Velociraptor tap its claws?
How Accurate is the Jurassic Park Velociraptor?
Jurassic Park Velociraptor size comparison
Where did Velociraptor live?
Did Velociraptor have feathers?
Did Velociraptor hunt in packs?
Velociraptor was a member of a group of dinosaurs called Dromaeosaurids. This group included other small to medium-sized predators like Utahraptor, Microraptor, and Deinonychus. dromaeosaurids were known for their agility, intelligence, and sickle-shaped claws.
Despite having feathered arms, Velociraptor could not fly. Its wings were not shaped for flight, and its body was too heavy for its size to get off the ground. The feathers likely served other purposes such as display and insulation.
Velociraptor was relatively smart for a dinosaur. Its brain was larger compared to most other dinosaurs, suggesting it had a higher level of intelligence. However, it was not as intelligent as portrayed in movies; it was likely comparable to modern birds of prey like hawks.
• Meaning: Velociraptor means "swift thief" in Latin.
• Family: It belonged to the Dromaeosauridae family, known for their sickle-shaped claws and agility.
• Size: Velociraptor was about 1.8 meters (6 feet) long and weighed around 45 kg (100 pounds).
• Fossil: The most famous Velociraptor fossil shows it locked in combat with a Protoceratops.
During the late Cretaceous Period, which spanned from approximately 100 to 66 million years ago, Velociraptor shared its habitat with a multitude of other fascinating dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. Some of the notable contemporaries of Velociraptor include:
Which family of dinosaurs did Deinonychus belong to?
Could Velociraptor fly?
Was Velociraptor intelligent?
Interesting Facts
What other Dinosaurs / Prehistoric animals lived at the same time as Velociraptor?
These diverse inhabitants of the late Cretaceous Period contributed to a vibrant and complex ecosystem, each playing unique roles in their environment.
Velociraptor FAQ
Q1: What are Velociraptors?
A1: Velociraptors were small, feathered theropod dinosaurs that lived during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 75 to 71 million years ago. They were part of the dromaeosaurid family and are closely related to modern birds.
Q2: How big was Velociraptor?
A2: Velociraptors were relatively small dinosaurs, about the size of a turkey. They measured around 6.8 feet (2 meters) in length and weighed approximately 33 pounds (15 kilograms).
Q3: Did Velociraptors have feathers?
A3: Yes, Velociraptors had feathers. Fossil evidence, including quill knobs on their forearms, indicates that they were feathered animals.
Q4: Were Velociraptors intelligent?
A4: Velociraptors were relatively intelligent compared to other dinosaurs. Their brain-to-body size ratio suggests they had good problem-solving abilities and complex behaviors.
Q5: Did Velociraptors hunt in packs?
A5: Unlike their portrayal in popular media, Velociraptors likely hunted alone rather than in packs. They used their sickle-shaped claws to clutch and pin down prey rather than slash it.
Q6: What did Velociraptors eat?
A6: Velociraptors were carnivorous and primarily preyed on small to medium-sized dinosaurs and other animals. Their sharp teeth and claws were well-suited for catching and holding onto prey.
Q7: How did Velociraptors evolve?
A7: Velociraptors evolved from earlier theropod dinosaurs. They share many traits with modern birds, such as feathers, hinged ankles, and swivel-jointed wrists, indicating a close evolutionary relationship.
Q8: What new discoveries have been made about Velociraptors?
A8: Recent discoveries include the identification of new species related to Velociraptors, such as Vectiraptor greeni, which lived around 125 million years ago. These findings help scientists understand the diversity and evolution of dromaeosaurid dinosaurs.
Q9: Was Velociraptor bigger than Tyrannosaurus rex?
A9: No, Velociraptors were much smaller than Tyrannosaurus rex. While Velociraptors were about 6.8 feet (2 meters) long and weighed around 33 pounds (15 kilograms), Tyrannosaurus could grow up to 40 feet (12 meters) in length and weigh around 9 tons.
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