Dromaeosaurus albertensis

The original "raptor". Dromaeosaurus is the type genus for the whole family of maniraptoran theropods known as Dromaeosauridae. It was a typical member of the family; with long grasping hands, large curved teeth, a long tail for balance, and the distinctive sickle-like 2nd digit on the feet. As a Dromaeosaurine, Dromaeosaurus had strong jaws and a more robust skull compared to some other members of the group, such as Velociraptor and Microraptor. The legs of Dromaeosaurus were also quite long in comparison to its close relatives, suggesting that it may have been a pursuit predator. This is where the name derives from; which means "Running Lizard". Dromaeosaurus lived during the Late Cretaceous of Western North America.