A groundbreaking discovery in Sacheon City, South Korea, reveals fossilized footprints of a prehistoric crocodile that ran upright on two legs. Dubbed Batrachopus grandis, this creature likely chased down dinosaurs millions of years ago.

Fossil Tracks Rewrite History

Archaeologists from the University of Colorado Denver stumbled upon these ancient tracks, initially mistaking them for those of a pterosaur. Further analysis revealed they belonged to a bipedal crocodile ancestor dating back 110 to 120 million years.

The tracks, ranging from seven to nine-and-a-half inches long, were impeccably preserved. Skin impressions from the creature’s heels and toes offered a vivid glimpse into its anatomy. Martin Lockley, a paleontologist leading the study, said the tracks “change our perception of crocodiles entirely.”

The footprints, found 31 miles from similar discoveries in 2012, provide unparalleled detail. Published in Scientific Reports, the findings shed light on a creature that lived, walked, and hunted like no crocodile today.

A Predator Unlike Any Other

Standing over 13 feet long and weighing nearly 1,000 pounds, Batrachopus grandis was a formidable predator. Its sharp teeth and powerful legs suggest it could tackle prey with ease, including small dinosaurs.

• Unique Movement: Unlike modern crocodiles, which walk in a low squat, this species walked upright, leaving narrow trackways that paleontologists described as “tight-rope-like.”
• Hunting Style: The bipedal stance likely made it more agile and faster than contemporary crocodiles, enabling it to ambush prey effectively.
• Unusual Tracks: Unlike dinosaurs or birds that walk on their toes, these crocodile ancestors used their whole foot, much like humans.

Kyung Soo Kim of Chinju National University emphasized how this discovery highlights the evolution of crocodiles, saying, “This isn’t the sluggish creature we picture today.”

Nearly A Hundred Fossilized Tracks

Lockley’s team uncovered nearly 100 tracks at the site. Their narrow shape and distinct impressions suggest a fast-moving predator, potentially capable of chasing down prey.

The discovery of Batrachopus grandis highlights the diverse adaptations of prehistoric crocodiles. While today’s species are slow-moving ambush hunters, their ancestors may have been more versatile predators.

How This Discovery Challenges Perceptions

The notion of a bipedal crocodile running like an ostrich challenges long-held views about the reptile family. Lockley remarked, “Nobody thinks of crocodiles as dynamic runners. This find forces us to rethink their evolutionary history.”

The tracks also hint at the diverse ecosystems of the Early Cretaceous. These crocodiles coexisted with various dinosaur species, competing for food and resources.

What’s Next For Researchers?

The detailed preservation of these tracks offers opportunities for further study:

• Behavior Analysis: Examining the spacing and depth of tracks to estimate speed and hunting methods.
• Comparative Study: Comparing Batrachopus grandis to other fossilized crocodilian species to understand evolutionary changes.
• Reconstructing Ecosystems: Analyzing surrounding fossils to recreate the environment where these predators thrived.

The discovery underscores the importance of fossilized footprints in revealing new chapters of prehistoric life. As Lockley put it, “These are snapshots of moments that happened millions of years ago.”