- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- Historical
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every September
- Holiday emoji:
- 🦖
Velociraptor Awareness Month roars into action every September, dedicating the entire month to the fascinating, feathered, and famously fast dinosaur. Dive into the prehistoric world, uncover intriguing facts about these ancient predators, and explore why they became extinct. It’s time to dig up some history and celebrate these magnificent creatures!
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History of Velociraptor Awareness Month
Velociraptors are dinosaurs that existed 65 to 99 million years ago. The name comes from the Latin words ‘Velox’ which means ‘swift,’ and ‘raptor’ which means ‘robber.’ Wondering why the dinosaur was given such a name? Well, it’s because they are known to have been super fast — an ability that helped them catch their prey. Though Velociraptors were only six feet tall and weighed around 99 pounds, they were still considered dangerous as they used their tendons and large claws to slash prey apart. However, since they were not that large, their main prey included small herbivores.
The first fossil of the Velociraptor fossil was discovered by Peter Kaisen in the Outer Mongolian Gobi Desert. The researcher was on the first American Museum of Natural History expedition and was lucky enough to come across the great dinosaur who was later used as the nemesis of humans in several Hollywood movies. The fossil discovered by Kaisen included a crushed skull and a toe claw. The creature was named in 1924 by Henry Fairfield Osborn, then-president of the American Museum of Natural History. Previously, Osborn had named the species Ovoraptor, but in the end, the name “Velociraptor” was the one that caught on.
As more fossils turn up, scientists continue to reveal further details about the dinosaur. For instance, in 2011, scientists revealed that the predators were nocturnal, as the scleral ring in their eye was wide and would have let in enough light to help them see at night.
Velociraptor Awareness Month timeline
The first Velociraptor fossil is discovered.
A Chinese-Canadian team discovers Velociraptor remains in northern China.
The Hollywood film “Jurassic Park” features the Velociraptor.
A Velociraptor with quill knobs is found in Mongolia.
Velociraptor Awareness Month FAQs
When is Velociraptor Awareness Month?
Velociraptor Awareness Month runs throughout September 2026, dedicating the entire month to learning about these fascinating prehistoric predators. It’s a perfect time to explore their history and characteristics.
How large were real velociraptors?
Contrary to popular movie portrayals, real velociraptors were much smaller than commonly imagined. They were roughly the size of a turkey, measuring about 6.8 feet long, 1.6 feet tall at the hip, and weighing around 33 pounds.
Did velociraptors have feathers?
Yes, paleontological evidence strongly suggests that velociraptors, like many other theropod dinosaurs, were covered in feathers. Quill knobs found on their fossilized forearms indicate the presence of well-developed feathers, likely for display or insulation.
What does 'Velociraptor' mean?
The name ‘Velociraptor’ translates from Latin as ‘swift seizer’ or ‘speedy thief,’ a fitting description for this agile and predatory dinosaur. This name highlights its presumed hunting style and quick movements.
Velociraptor Awareness Month Activities
Visit a museum
To celebrate the month, visit a museum that displays the bones of several dinosaurs. This way, you will get to find out more about the diet of Velociraptors, why they became extinct, and other interesting details.
Watch “Jurassic Park”
If you want to see the Velociraptors in action, watch “Jurassic Park!” Better yet, have a marathon with close family and friends. But here’s a forewarning, you will hate how fast and vicious the Velociraptors are!
Have a Velociraptor party
Host a small gathering at your house and ask people to bake items that look like Velociraptors. This could include cookies, cupcakes, cakes, etc. Also, decorate your house using the same theme.
5 Interesting Facts About Velociraptors
A large skull
The Velociraptor’s skull was about 9.1 inches.
Teeth in the upper jaw
The dinosaur’s upper jaw had 13 to 15 teeth.
Number of claws
Velociraptors had four claws on each foot.
Velociraptors had feathers
Though they had feathers, they couldn’t fly due to their short arms.
The short form
Velociraptors are called "raptors."
Why We Love Velociraptor Awareness Month
It’s informative
We love the month because it provides us with ample information regarding Velociraptors, how they were discovered, and how they survived. Such information is beneficial for people of all ages.
It’s fun
The month is fun because almost everyone loves to find out fun facts about dinosaurs. Plus, who wouldn’t want to watch a Jurassic Park marathon with friends and family?
Inspires people
Months such as these are crucial because they influence kids at a young age and guide them towards their future careers. Numerous youngsters may be inspired during the month and dedicate their lives to the study of dinosaurs.
Velociraptor Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2029 | September 1 | Saturday |
| 2030 | September 1 | Sunday |
