Researchers have discovered at least 50 dinosaur footprints believed to be about 65 million years old in western Mexico. The tracks may belong to three different dinosaur families, including large meat-eating predators, smaller raptor-like dinosaurs, and plant-eating species.
Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) announced the discovery on October 26. Residents first spotted the unusual impressions in a streambed near San Juan de los Plátanos, in the municipality of Apatzingán, Michoacán. After residents reported the marks, paleontologist Raymundo Cervantes Barriga examined the site and confirmed that dinosaurs had left the tracks.
Footprints point to three dinosaur groups
Researchers have documented at least 50 footprints across roughly 40 square meters (430 square feet) of exposed sedimentary rock. The impressions measure between 12 and 48 centimeters (4.7 to 18.9 inches) long, with some reaching 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) wide. Their different shapes and sizes suggest that several types of dinosaurs once moved through the area.
Some larger three-toed footprints may belong to tyrannosaurids, a family of large carnivorous dinosaurs. A recent discovery of T. rex footprints in North Dakota also provided rare evidence of how these predators moved.
Researchers have discovered at least 50 fossilized dinosaur footprints in Mexico, possibly left by giant meat-eating predators, raptor-like dinosaurs and plant-eaters. Scientists believe many more tracks could still be hidden nearby. pic.twitter.com/CaEhu65I6L
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) October 27, 2026
Smaller tracks resemble those of dromaeosaurids, a group of raptor-like predators that could reach heights of about 2 meters (6.6 feet). Other impressions appear to belong to hadrosaurs, commonly known as duck-billed dinosaurs. These plant-eaters could stand about 4 meters (13 feet) tall and left three-toed footprints with rounded ends. Researchers have not yet determined the exact species responsible for the tracks.
Ancient tracks could reveal dinosaur behavior
The footprints date to the Late Cretaceous period, when the region likely contained bodies of water that attracted dinosaurs searching for food. Scientists believe the tracks could reveal how the animals walked and how different species used the same landscape. Similar research in Canada uncovered fossil evidence suggesting that different dinosaur species traveled together in herds.
Archaeologist José Luis Punzo Díaz said the discovery offers a rare opportunity to investigate prehistoric life. “A discovery like this opens a window onto a period that we all have in our minds, but that we rarely have the opportunity to study,” he said.
More dinosaur footprints may await discovery
INAH specialists began documenting the site on October 21. Their work includes creating 3D models, making molds of the impressions and analyzing rock samples. The discovery marks the fourth known dinosaur footprint site in Michoacán. More than 30 such sites have been recorded across Mexico.
Other major discoveries include more than 18,000 dinosaur footprints found in Bolivia, demonstrating how ancient trackways can preserve evidence of prehistoric life. Large sections of the Mexican site remain unexplored, and researchers believe additional footprints could emerge as investigations continue.
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