Sneak a Peek at a New Dinosaur Species Found in Central Montana

I will probably catch some flak for my next statement.

At times, ranching life can be incredibly...boring.

via GIPHY

But hold on before you leave me for the coyotes or the magpies and let me explain.  It isn't that there's not something to do.  There always is.  It's also incredibly repetitive.  But as such, you also learn when something is out of place.  A fence post missing; a rock on a hillside that has slid.  Or if you're lucky enough, you spot a fossil embedded in a bank, walking a fence line in the breaks.

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Sneak a Peek at a New Dinosaur Species Found in Central Montana

Near the center of Montana and just south of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument lies the small town of Winifred.  Don't let that size fool you though; this town holds a big surprise for anyone willing to make the drive.

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The town is home to not one, but two unique dinosaurs that until discovered in the area, had never been found before.  Or even known.  In 2005, "Judith" was discovered and named an entirely new species of dinosaur (Spiclypeus shipporum, meaning “spiked shield) in 2016.  Judith is not only the first of the species to be discovered, but she is also the only one ever found in the world.

Second New Species Discovered Near Winifred, Montana in 2012 To Be on Display

In 2012, another new species of dinosaur fossils were discovered near the town.  The species was confirmed in 2023; Furcatoceratops elucidan, means "forked horn face" and a replica cast of the discovery is now on display at the Winifred Museum.

Town of Winifred via Facebook

The museum will be holding a special community presentation with dinosaur expert Anthony Maltese on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:30–7:45 PM.  Maltese will discuss the new addition and give more details about it.  He'll also discuss the different species and fossils discovered in the area.  To learn more about the event, visit the Town of Winifred social media page here.