Niobrarasaurus

Niobrarasaurus lived in a shallow sea called the Western Interior Seaway. Its body sometimes washed out to sea after death, and sharks may have nibbled on its bones.2

Its skeleton was discovered in 1930 by geologist Virgil Cole. At first, scientists thought it was a baby because it was small.1

The first fossils of this dinosaur were mistaken for turtle shell pieces. Later, experts realized they belonged to an armored dinosaur.1

Niobrarasaurus had a long, narrow skull, more like the dinosaur Pawpawsaurus than the wider-headed Edmontonia.3

It was a nodosaurid, a type of ankylosaur that had spikes on its shoulders and bony plates on its back, but no tail club.1

The name Niobrarasaurus means 'Niobrara lizard,' after the rock formation where its bones were found.1