Raptor-like dinosaur discovered in eastern Utah

[December 17, 2010]  SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Scientists have discovered the oldest reported raptor-like dinosaur in eastern Utah.

The Bureau of Land Management said Thursday that the Geminiraptor suarezarum (swah-REHZ'-ur-uhm) is believed to be 125 million years old.

Most of the known raptors discovered in North America date to between 72 and 75 million years ago.

The dinosaur was found on BLM land near Green River, an area about 180 miles southeast of Salt Lake City that has become notable for the number of new species discovered there.

Bones from the dinosaur are being curated at the College of Eastern Utah's Prehistoric Museum in Price.

Eight new species of dinosaurs have been named in Utah this year, seven of which were found on federal land.

[Associated Press; By JOSH LOFTIN]

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