Day 21: Therizinosaurus is one of the weirdest dinosaurs I’ve ever encountered. It’s a herbivore, but its claws are so long and sharp that it looks more like a slasher movie villain than a peaceful plant-eater. My encounter with this bizarre dinosaur started as a quiet observation—and ended with a discovery that sent me down a whole new rabbit hole of questions.
Quick Facts About Therizinosaurus
Here’s what makes this clawed giant so fascinating:
- Name Meaning: Therizinosaurus means “scythe lizard,” named for its massive claws.
- Time Period: Lived around 70 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous.
- Size: Up to 33 feet long and weighing about 5 tons.
- Diet: Herbivore, feeding on leaves, branches, and other vegetation.
- Habitat: Forests in what is now Mongolia and Central Asia.
Max’s Encounter: Scythes and Skeletons
I spotted the Therizinosaurus in a clearing, pulling branches from a tree with its massive claws. It was huge, with feathers ruffling down its back, and those claws? They were like swords—curved and deadly.
I crouched low, snapping photos, but then I noticed something strange near the base of the tree. A pile of bones—too small to belong to a dinosaur. As I inched closer, I realized they looked human. One of the skulls even had a rusty pirate hat lying next to it.
That’s when the Therizinosaurus turned. It tilted its head, claws raised like it was sizing me up. I froze, clutching my camera, until it went back to feeding. I didn’t stick around after that, but I grabbed the hat before I bolted. Why? Because I had to know if the bones—and the hat—were real. 🦖🦕⏳
Pirate Clue #1:
The hat was covered in mud, but inside, I found a faded coin stamped with the words “Captain Harrow.” Who was Captain Harrow, and how did something like this end up millions of years in the past?
Field Notes From Max:
- Survival Tip: Therizinosaurus might not be a predator, but its claws make it just as dangerous. Keep your distance.
- What I Learned: Dinosaurs weren’t just creatures of the land—they interacted with their environments in ways we’re still unraveling.
- Favorite Moment: Finding a pirate hat in the Cretaceous. Who knew time travel could get this weird?
