Abstract

The carnivorous dinosaur Allosaurus has been known for over 100 years, but in 1991 a partially articulated, sub-adult (informally known as "Big Al") of this genus was discovered that is one of the most complete specimens ever found. The well-preserved skeleton was discovered near Shell, Wyoming in the Upper Jurassic Morrison Formation. This area of northern Wyoming has been known to contain dinosaur remains since crews from the American Museum of Natural History in New York collected at the Howe Quarry in the 1930s. Just north of this quarry, "Big Al" was found by crews from Siber & Siber, Inc. on public lands. The specimen is being studied primarily by researchers from Montana State University and the University of Wyoming. Research on this specimen and the area in which it was found is providing exciting new information on Jurassic carnosaurs, as well as the environment in which they lived.